§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, whether (a) it is his policy to continue the revised system in force for the interpretation of preeminence in regard to works of art and museum objects offered in satisfaction of capital transfer tax, which was the subject of a written answer from the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to the hon. Member for Warley, East on 7 August 1980, Official Report, c. 274–5, (b) whether he will consider if any further revisions to the working of the revised system are possible, with a view to ensuring, with the co-operation of the Standing Commission on Museums and Galleries or otherwise, that the wider consultations envisaged in the written answer of 7 August 1980 are not overlooked in appropriate cases and (c) whether he will arrange for the working of the revised system to be publicised in any relevant literature issued by Government Departments.
§ Mr. ChannonYes, but the revised guidelines have been in operation for only six months, and I see no need to amend them at present. I intend to publicise the procedures for acceptance in lieu and private treaty sales in a document to be issued later this year, which will refer to the guidelines on pre-eminence.