British Council: Loan of Works of Art

HL Deb 25 July 2002 vol 638 cc112-3WA

Baroness Hilton of Eggardon

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many indemnity undertakings were given by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in respect of loss or damage to works of art loaned to the British Council for exhibitions overseas for the 12-month period ended March 2002; and what was the value of contingent liabilities in respect of such undertakings which remained outstanding at that date. [HL5476]

Baroness Amos

The British Council, although not a government department, receives a substantial grant-in-aid from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The council regularly organises or sponsors exhibitions overseas of works of art loaned from national galleries and private collections in the United Kingdom. It provides certain assurances or guarantees in respect of loss or damage while these works are on loan.

In the 12-month period ended 31 March 2002 the British Council provided such assurances to four national lenders and undertakings to 193 private lenders. The value of the contingent liabilities that remained outstanding as at 31 March 2002 in respect of private lenders was £4,358,822. No contingent liabilities remained outstanding at this date in respect of national lenders.