§ 45. Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what further steps she is prepared to take as Minister with responsibility for the Arts, to prevent valuable works of art and historic items which form part of the British heritage being sold for export abroad.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsI have recently announced very large increases in the acquisition grants for the national museums and galleries and the acquisition funds for local museums and galleries administered by the Victoria and Albert and Science Museums. In addition a further £1 million a year, at 1977 prices, will be available for the purchase of heritage objects with effect from 1979–80. Besides this there are the provisions for relief from capital transfer tax and 99W capital gains tax and the export control on works of art, etc.