HL Deb 22 February 2000 vol 610 cc19-20WA
Baroness Anelay of St Johns

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What agreement they have reached with the European Union Commission over the introduction of the droit de suite tax on the resale of works of art in the United Kingdom. [HL1115]

Lord Sainsbury of Turville

No agreement has been reached with the Commission.

The proposal for a directive harmonising droit de suite is subject to co-decision. Before it can be adopted it will need to be agreed by the Council of Ministers and by the European Parliament. The proposal went to four Councils last year but on each occasion a decision was delayed to provide more time to explore ways of overcoming United Kingdom concerns.