§ Mr. Cormackasked the Secretary of State for Trade how many export licences in respect of works of art purchased in the sale at Mentmore Gardens have been applied for since 18th March.
§ Mr. Meacher,pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 29th June 1977; Vol. 934, c. 220], gave the following information:
It is not practicable to identify all applications relating to articles purchased at particular sales, since applicants are not required to indicate where the item was purchased. We do not therefore have a reliable figure relating to the Mentmore sale. We are, however, aware that at least 130 applications have been received which relate either to items bought at Mentmore or include items bought at the sale. The figure should be treated with some caution. An application for a licence does not necessarily mean that the export takes place. Further, an application can cover one or a number of items and it would take a disproportionate effort to give a more precise figure or identify the numbers of items covered.
§ Mr. Cormackasked the Secretary of State for Trade, when he intends to reply to the Question regarding the application for export licences in respect of works of 247W art purchased in the sale at Mentmore Towers, tabled for priority Written Answer by the hon. Member for Staffordshire, South-West on Wednesday 29th June.
§ Mr. MeacherI replied to the hon. Member today.