Question

To ask the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many items from the Parliamentary Art Collection were reported as (a) missing, (b) stolen and (c) damaged beyond repair in each of the last ten years; and what was the total financial loss for each year.

In the period 2015–2025 nothing from the Parliamentary Art Collection has been recorded as stolen or damaged beyond repair.

Since 2023 items have been recorded as missing where they have not been located on the estate or in stores for between three and 20 years, in line with collections management best practice. The number of artworks recorded as missing in each year since 2023 was:

• 2023 – 1
• 2024 – 147
• 2025 – 33

Prior to 2023, some artworks were recorded under the category ‘location unknown’. Data prior to 2018 is not available, but from 2018 to 2023 148 artworks were recorded in this category. 44 were later recategorised as missing. The remainder were found or subject to another action such as a transfer.

As a living and working collection, artworks are on display in corridors, meeting and Committee rooms as well as private offices and public spaces. Artworks are sometimes therefore found to have moved from their recorded location. For instance, during multiple office moves required for the 2024 General Election, over 100 artworks were recorded as missing but later located. As objects may be found many years after being recorded as missing, none of the artworks currently recorded as missing have therefore been written off, so are not considered a financial loss.

The total number of artworks currently listed as missing is 72.

As part of our ongoing assurances processes, the internal audit team are currently conducting an asset check for the three Heritage Collections. The fieldwork is complete and is expected to report shortly.