§ Mr. BrakeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much has been spent on(a) the upkeep and (b) the purchase of works of art in her Department for each financial year since 1992. [117468]
§ Clare ShortThe Department for International Development (DFID) has not purchased any works of art. The 13 works of art on display in DFID are on loan from the Government Art Collection, who are responsible for the upkeep of the items.
In 1993–94 the Overseas Development Administration purchased two Howard Hodgkin limited edition lithographs at a total cost of £22,938, including framing and dealer's commission. These prints were purchased with the intention of presenting them to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to mark the opening of the new bank building in London. It was, however, subsequently agreed that these lithographs should be loaned to the Government Art Collection and they are at present on display in the DFID London office.