Written question asked by Barry Legg (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 March 1997. It was answered by Iain Sproat (Conservative) on Thursday, 20 March 1997 on behalf of the Department of National Heritage.

Dept of National Heritage

Question: What is her policy on the return of historic objects in museums to countries of origin.

Answer: Mr. Legg: To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what is her policy on the return of historic objects in museums to countries of origin; and if she will make a statement. [21609] Mr. Sproat: Decisions about the possible return of historic objects in museums to countries of origin are primarily matters for the governing bodies of each museum. These decisions raise complex issues of law and of general museum policy. Where there are legal constraints on disposal, the Government have no intention of legislating to remove those constraints. The Museums and Galleries Commission is currently preparing good practice guidelines on the steps that museums should take in response to the requests for the return of objects from abroad. Any director concerned about specific requests for the return of objects may wish to write for advice to the chairman of the Museums and Galleries Commission.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 21609; 292 c703W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Cultural heritage Artworks Museums and galleries Museums and Galleries Commission