§ Mr. BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what her policy is in respect of disposals from the Government art collection. [10078]
§ Dr. HowellsIt is the general policy of the Government art collection (an Exchequer-funded national collection) to retain for posterity and to preserve to the best of its ability all items accepted into its core holdings. The Government art collection has a disposals policy which closely follows the ethical guidelines for disposals recommended by the Museums Association. A number of items purchased with specific funds or donated with specific conditions attached may not be disposed of at all.