§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what disciplinary action has been taken or is planned against officials in his Department who moved works of art without official permission. [20836]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotMoving works of art without official permission is not a specific disciplinary offence. Officials are warned that loans could be withdrawn if works of art are moved without official permission. Disciplinary action could arise if a work of art were damaged or lost as a result of being moved without permission.
§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list those works of art which have been loaned or which are currently on loan to Ministers or former Ministers; and how such loans are authorised; [20833]
(2) if he will list those works of art which have been loaned to members of the Defence Council; and how such loans are authorised. [20832]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotA list of works of art on loan to the offices of current ministers and other members of the Defence Council has been placed in the Library of the House. To list the works of art loaned to other Ministers, while in office, would incur disproportionate cost.
Ministers and other Members of the Defence Council are entitled to borrow works of art from the Government art collection, subject to their conditions of loan, and from my Department's own collection. Other collections and museums may lend works at their own discretion.