§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy on Droit de Suite for artists and writers. [57921]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Government are concerned that the Commission's proposal for a Directive to harmonise artists' resale right (droit de suite) could drive Europe's international art market offshore with the loss of thousands of jobs without bringing any significant benefit to artists. UK auctioneers and dealers, alone, stand to lose fees of up to £68 million per annum and up to 5,000 jobs. The Government, therefore, will continue robustly to oppose the proposal.