Government cannot stop sale of Henry Moore statue

The Culture Minister Ed Vaizey has said the Government is powerless to stop the sale of a Henry Moore statue which belongs to Tower Hamlets Council. The council is putting the work called Draped Seated Woman up for auction because of a funding gap.

Mr Vaizey said it would be "lamentable" if the statue was not on display. He added that the only action that could be taken is if an independent committee recommended an export ban on the statue - but it could still be bought by a domestic buyer.