HC Deb 09 May 1995 vol 259 cc375-6W
Mr. Faulds

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage for what reasons a sculpture by Antonio Canova and a painting by Albrecht Altdorfer, were omitted from the list given in his written answer to the hon. Member for Warley, East on 8 March,Official Report, columns 177–78, on the progress of cases relating to the export of works of art; and if he will make a statement on the status of these items. [23168]

Mr. Dorrell

The answer given on 8 March included only those items where the decision to withhold the issue of an export licence had been taken during the half year ended 31 December 1994.

The sculpture "The Three Graces" by Antonio Canova was referred to in a reply to the hon. Member on 18 January 1994, Official Report, columns 497–98. The subsequent decision, taken in the half year ended 30 June 1994, was detailed in Parliamentary Command paper 2710, the fortieth report of the Reviewing Committee. The sculpture has been acquired jointly by the Victoria and Albert museum and the National Galleries of Scotland.

A decision on the painting "The Adoration of the Magi" by Albrecht Altdorfer was taken during January 1995. An export licence has been issued for this painting.

A Departmental press release of 30 March 1995 included these two cases as it is the practice to publicise details of all cases where decisions on export licence applications have been deferred.

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