§ 34. Mr. David Atkinsonasked the Minister for the Arts if he has received any representations from the Spanish Government about the forthcoming auction of Goya's Marquesa de Santa Cruz, in the context of the 1984 code of practice for the correct international trading in works of art; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LuceI have received a letter on this subject from the Spanish Government and I am considering it. I cannot, however, comment on this particular case which may be the subject of a future court action. In the matter of the code of practice for the control of international trading in works of art, to which my hon. Friend refers, I naturally attach great importance to the continuing high reputation of the art trade in this country, which is reflected in the existence of this voluntary code of good practice.