§ Mr. Andrew Fauldsasked the Minister for the Arts what representations he has received from members of the Museums and Galleries Commission and the National Art 514W Collections Fund in respect of harmonisation of value added tax in the European Economic Community as applied to works of art; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LuceI have received representations from a number of sources, including the chairman of the Museums and Galleries Commission, the director of the National Art Collections Fund and representatives of the fine arts trade, on the draft seventh directive on harmonisation of VAT in the European Community. Questions relating to VAT are, of course, a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the first instance. I should, however, like to reassure the hon. Member that no decisions on new Community measures in respect of VAT and works of art are imminent.