§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what was the cost to public funds of the three paintings depicting the Army in Bosnia; [20840]
(2) if he will make a statement on the procedures used within his Department to authorise the purchase of works of art with public funds; [20839]
224W(3) for what purposes his Department buy works of art; [20841]
(4) how many works of art have been purchased by his Department since 1979 using public funds. [20838]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotWorks of art are purchased to enhance the working environment or to represent an aspect of the history of the Department. The three paintings representing events in Bosnia were purchased for the departmental art collection in January 1995 at a cost of £6,556.50, including VAT. The purchase was made because it was considered that the collection should include paintings depicting the Army's important contribution in Bosnia.
Approval was given in the normal way within the civilian management area which is responsible for works of art. It complied with normal budgetary and accounting procedures.