HC Deb 14 March 1996 vol 273 c676W
Dr. John Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made since the start of the National Audit Office inquiry into the management of works of art with the recovery of those works of art reported to be missing or stolen. [20566]

Mr. Arbuthnot

Since the start of the National Audit Office study in January 1995, one work of art has been recovered, in addition to the 15 that had been found before the study began. Two works of art listed as missing by the Government art collection were found to be duplicate records of works that were not missing. Four works recorded as missing by the Government art collection were found to have been returned to their lender.

Dr. Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list the works of art belonging to the departmental art collection which are considered missing or stolen; [20561]

(2) if he will list the works of art on loan from the Government art collection that are considered missing or stolen. [20565]

Mr. Arbuthnot

I am placing the information requested in the Library of the House.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what actions he has taken to safeguard works of art loaned to his Department. [20755]

Mr. Arbuthnot

Works of art are safeguarded by securing the rooms in which they hang, asking the staff who occupy those rooms to verify that the works are safe and by inspections by staff responsible for works of art.

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