Mr. Creech Jonesasked the President of the Board of Trade who are the members of the Export Group of the Export Council concerned with works of art; whether any control will be exercised in respect to the disposal of pictures, sculpture and other works of art which belong to the nation; and whether arrangements will be made to prevent the loss to this country of important or distinguished pieces of work?
§ Mr. JohnstoneThere are 86 members of the Antique and Art Dealers Export Group. The Chairman of the Group is Mr. J. Francis Mallett, and the members are individuals, private firms and companies engaged in dealing in antiques and works of art. The group will be concerned with the sale abroad of antiques and works of art which are at the disposal of their members in the ordinary course of their business. The group has not been formed to deal in works of art or antiques belonging to the nation, nor does its establishment affect the position as regards the retention in this country of important or distinguished pieces of work.