Export of Works of Art: Reviewing Committee's 2002–03 Annual Report

HL Deb 17 December 2003 vol 655 cc155-6WA

Baroness David

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they will publish the 2002–03 annual report of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art. [HL486]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

The 49th report of the reviewing committee on the Export of Works of Art for 2002–03 was laid before Parliament earlier today. The reviewing committee provides independent advice to the Minister of State for the Arts on whether cultural objects that are the subject of applications for export licences are of outstanding national importance, using the Waverley criteria. During the year, following recommendations from the reviewing committee, temporary bars were placed on the export of 23 items, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, armour and jewellery. Of these, 11 items valued at £4.2 million, were purchased by institutions in the UK. The report contains the reviewing committee's comments on policy matters relating to the operation of the export control and the protection of cultural objects and details of each case considered during the reporting year 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003.

The review will also be available on the DCMS website http://www.culture.gov.uk.