§ Mr. FraserTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the proposed imposition of droite de suite on the British art market and its likely impact on the work of his Department. [77372]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Directive would cause very real difficulties to the United Kingdom, threatening earnings and jobs in the London art Market. We cannot agree to the Directive as it stands at present. As a result of the Government's previous efforts, significant improvements have been made. However, they do not go far enough and we shall be continuing to work with our EU partners on ways in which the impact of the Directive on the UK can be reduced so as to ensure that we get the best possible deal for Britain. If, and when, the Directive is adopted, the Department of Trade and Industry will be responsible for transposing it into national law, but will do so only after the widest consultation with those most affected.