HC Deb 17 December 1992 vol 216 cc380-1W
Mr. Burns

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will announce the outcome of the review of the register of conditionally exempt objects.

Mr. Dorrell

The review of the register of conditionally exempt objects, usually known as the "V and A list", announced on 7 July 1992,Official Report, columns 226–27 and 14 July 1992, Official Report, columns 524–25, has now been completed. It has concluded that there is a need to make improvements to accessibility to the V and A list, the quality of entries on the list, and to publicity given to the list.

Improved accessibility will be achieved by computerising the V and A list. This is expected to be completed in the first half of 1993. Computerisation will allow inquirers to use database search and retrieval facilities to identify more easily objects of particular interest. This will meet the valid criticism that the V and A list is not properly indexed. Copies of the computerised V and A list will be given to the existing custodians of the V and A list. Further copies will also be available, at a reasonable cost, to any other institution or member of the public who requests a copy. This will meet the criticism that it is difficult to consult copies of the V and A list.

Publicity for the V and A list will be increased by the issue of quarterly press releases about recent additions to the list. These will start after computerisation has been completed. In addition, feature articles about the V and A list for publication in expert journals will be encouraged.

To improve the quality of entries, all individuals shown as contact points on the V and A list will be asked to confirm the information given in each entry on the list. At the same time, owners will be advised of the changes which will be made and given the opportunity to take new security precautions to guard against any increased risk of art theft arising from the greater publicity.

A number of related improvements are also planned or have now been implemented. There will be a selective audit of objects on the V and A list each year to confirm that undertakings on public access and preservation of the objects in the United Kingdom are being observed. Any breaches which cannot he put right will lead to an inheritance tax charge. Guidelines on what Inland Revenue considers to be reasonable public access to objects on the V and A list are being issues. Guidelines on access to the existing V and A list have also been provided to existing custodians of the V and A list and steps have been taken to ensure that the contact point shown on V and A list entries is as up to date as possible.

Owners of items on the V and A list have already agreed to provide public access and are not being asked to do more than they have already undertaken. The measures which I have described will make it easier for the public to enjoy the benefits which Parliament intended.