§ Mr. BrakeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much has been spent on(a) the upkeep and (b) the purchase of works of art in his Department for each financial year since 1992. [117467]
§ Mr. WillsI refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on 4 April 2000,Official Report, columns 392-93W, which sets out information relating to the Government Art Collection (GAC). Works of art from GAC are displayed in the London head office buildings of the Department for Education and Employment. The Department has also purchased paintings and prints to the value of £28,000 since 1992 (£18,000 in 1996–97 and £10,000 in 1997–98). These are displayed in areas of common use in Caxton House, one of the London head office buildings. No costs have been incurred on their upkeep.