Written question asked by Tom Brake (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 29 March 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 April 2000. It was answered by Clare Short (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 April 2000 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, how much has been spent on (a) the upkeep and (b) the purchase of works of art in her Department for each financial year since 1992. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much has been spent on (a) the upkeep and (b) the purchase of works of art in her Department for each financial year since 1992. [117468] Clare Short: The Department for International Development (DFID) has not purchased any works of art. The 13 works of art on display in DFID are on loan from the Government Art Collection, who are responsible for the upkeep of the items. In 1993-94 the Overseas Development Administration purchased two Howard Hodgkin limited edition lithographs at a total cost of £22,938, including framing and dealer's commission. These prints were purchased with the intention of presenting them to the European bank for Reconstruction and Development to mark the opening of the new bank building in London. It was, however, subsequently agreed that these lithographs should be loaned to the Government Art Collection and they are at present on display in the DFID London office.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 348 c82W; 117468
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Artworks Department for International Development Government departments
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk