HC Deb 30 March 1987 vol 113 cc364-5W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will publish in the Official Report a table showing the increase in the real rate of exchange against the principal currencies since the date on which the nominal rate for sterling fell to its lowest point against the deutschmark, together with his estimate of the increase in United Kingdom, German, American and Japanese export prices in dollar terms since the fourth quarter of 1976, having regard to changes in the nominal exchange rate and rates of inflation since the quarter for which the figures were last published in the "Monthly Review of External Trade Statistics".

Mr. Alan Clark

[pursuant to his reply, 27 March 1987, c. 297]: Information for calculating real exchange rates in terms of relative export prices is not yet available beyond the third quarter of 1986; the daily closing of sterling/ deutschmark exchange rate continued to decline to the end of January 1987.

Changes in export prices, exchange rates and rates of inflation since the fourth quarter of 1976 are in the following table:

Mr. Colin Shepherd

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he was first advised of the sale of the Hereford Bye Street Gate sculptures; what has been the reason for the length of time which has elapsed since (a) for the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art to make a recommendation and (b) for him to reach a decision; and when he now expects to make his decision.

Mr. Alan Clark

[pursuant to his reply, 27 March 1987, c. 298]: My Department was advised of the association of the statues with Bye Street Gate of the city of Hereford in February 1986, some time after their sale to their present owner, when it was recommended that the views of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art should be sought. The reviewing committee considered the matter on 18 March 1986 and its recommendation to my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Arts, was announced in a press notice issued by the Office of Arts and Libraries on 21 March 1986. We have sought to ensure that those concerned have had proper opportunity to put forward their views for consideration before a decision is made. The Secretary of State will be making his decision as soon as possible.

Mr. Colin Shepherd

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) whether the Hereford Bye Street Gate sculptures are still located in the United Kingdom;

(2) if any export licence has been granted in respect of the Hereford Bye Street Gate sculptures; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alan Clark

[pursuant to his reply, 27 March 1987, c. 298]: The objects are subject to export control. No licence for their export from the United Kingdom has been granted.

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