§ Mr. Spenceasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what costs will be met by Her Majesty's Government in connection with the exhibition of Chinese cultural treasures to be held at the Royal Academy of Arts from 28th September 1973 to 23rd January 1974.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleHer Majesty's Government will have no responsibility 419W for the operating costs of the exhibition. They do, however, intend to indemnify the Government of the People's Republic of China against loss of, or damage to, loaned exhibits to the value of approximately 99 million Yuan (about £20 million) whilst in the United Kingdom, and to share equally with the Government of France a similar indemnity whilst the exhibits are in transit from Peking to Paris and from Paris to London. The agreement with the Chinese Government will be published soon.
Parliament will be asked to approve a token Supplementary Estimate in due course. In the meantime, should a claim arise an advance will be sought from the Contingencies Fund.