HC Deb 02 February 2001 vol 362 cc336-7W
Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the prospects for the common position reached in the Council of Ministers over the Droit de Suite directive being maintained; and if he will make a statement. [148071]

Mr. Byers

[holding answer 31 January 2001]: The Government believe that the agreement reached in Council reflects an acceptable balance between the rights of artists and the competitiveness of the art market and will therefore be urging the Council to stand by the common position.