Written question asked by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 11 December 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 December 2001. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 December 2001 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how much has been spent by the Government since 1st May 1997 on acquiring works of art; and how much has been realised from the sale of works of art. - Inc figures.

Answer: Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much has been spent by the Government since 1 May 1997 on acquiring works of art; and how much has been realised from the sale of works of art. [23073] Dr. Howells: Since 1 May 1997 the Government Art Collection has spent £688,000 on purchases of works of art. No works of art have been sold from the Government Art Collection. The Foreign Office and Commonwealth Office has spent approximately £506,501 and the Department for Education and Skills approximately £26,451. We have been notified of no other purchases or sales by other Government Departments.

Secondary information