HC Deb 08 July 1999 vol 334 cc581-2W
Mr. Gibb

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his policy regarding the EU Artists' Resale Right Directive. [90089]

Dr. Howells

The Government are concerned that the current proposal would drive sales out of the EU and hit our art market far harder than others, while bringing little or no benefit to the majority of artists. We therefore welcome the postponement of a decision on the draft Directive by the 21 June Internal Market Council to allow more time for discussions to continue and see if a way forward can be found to overcome the very substantial difficulties the UK and others still see with it.