§ Mr. FauldsTo ask the Minister for the Arts whether all the moneys raised by the Victoria and Albert museum in its efforts to keep in the United Kingdom the statues by Canova, "The Three Graces", will go directly towards paying the purchase price; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LuceThe Victoria and Albert museum has advised me that, in the event that it proves possible to make an offer to purchase "The Three Graces" by 12 March, all the money subscribed by the public will be used for the purchase. The cash costs of the appeal have been underwritten by an anonymous and separate donation; there have also been many contributions in kind to the organisation of the appeal. In the event that the appeal does not reach its target, all money subscribed in an identifiable and returnable form will be offered back. Money deposited in cash in collecting boxes will, as a notice beside the boxes clearly states, be put in the V and A central purchase fund and used to support the purchase of other major heritage objects.