§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, in view of the fact that 12 months have now elapsed since the year 1976–77, due to be covered by the twenty-third report of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art, was concluded on 30th June 1977, she will now take steps to expedite as a matter of urgency the preparation and publication of that report; and whether, having regard to the current widespread anxiety concerning the dispersal of the national heritage, she will give instructions that future reports of the committee shall be published not more than seven months after the conclusion of the period under review.
§ Mr. OakesThe twenty-third report of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art, covering the period of 1st July 1976–30th June 1977 is in course of preparation with a view to publication in the autumn. I understand that the committee intends to arrange its programme of work and meetings so that future reports can be published sooner after the year to which they relate.