§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much has been spent by the Government in each year since May 1997 on acquiring works of art; and where each work acquired is held. [129281]
§ Estelle Morris[holding answer 11 September 2003]: In the seven Financial Years since 2 May 1997 the Government Art Collection has spent a total of £1,111,500 from its Programme Vote on the purchase of works of art. This breaks down as follows:
£ 2 May 1997 to 1998 137,000 1998–99 127,000 1999–2000 179,000 2000–01 130,500 2001–02 158,000 2002–03 241,000 1 April to 11 September 2003 139,000 These works of art are currently located in some 55 Government buildings in the UK and around the world, as part of the Collection's remit in promoting British art and culture to visitors to these buildings.
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much has been realised by the Government through the sales of works of art in each year since May 1997. [129280]
§ Estelle Morris[holding answer 11 September 2003]:The Government Art Collection has sold no works of art from its holdings since May 1997.