Written question asked by Frank Doran (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 September 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 October 2011. It was answered by Lord Vaizey of Didcot (Conservative) on Monday, 10 October 2011 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Sculpture: Abingdon Green

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what plans he has for the care and maintenance of the Knife Edge-Two Piece by Henry Moore on Abingdon Green accepted as a gift to the nation by the Government in 1967.

Answer: My Department is not generally responsible for the maintenance of public sculptures but is keen to see them properly maintained. I understand that the problem with Knife Edge Two Piece has been compounded by the fact that it has been difficult to identify who is responsible for the care and maintenance of the work.The House of Commons has an excellent Advisory Committee on its works of art, chaired by the hon. Member for Aberdeen North and I would propose that the matter should be referred to his Committee to allow the House to consider whether it would be willing to take on the ownership and duty of care of this sculpture. In suggesting this, I am aware that the House of Commons has its own professional curatorial staff who would provide the very finest levels of care for the sculpture.

Secondary information