Written question asked by Andrew Dismore (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 November 2000. It was answered by Lord Howarth of Newport (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 November 2000 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, what assessment he has made of the research recently published by the National Museum Directors' Conference on works in British galleries and museums which may have been looted by the Nazis; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the research recently published by the National Museum Directors' Conference on works in British galleries and museums which may have been looted by the Nazis; and if he will make a statement. [136941] Mr. Alan Howarth: I welcome the publication by The National Museum Director's Conference on 26 October of the results of the continuing research into the provenance, between 1933 and 1945, of works in their collections. In addition, the plans for similar research into four of the important non-national collections in England were announced. This research demonstrates the sector's commitment to play its part in addressing the issue of spoliated art. An unknown provenance between the dates mentioned does not, in itself, indicate that the item was misappropriated and, to date, only one claim has been made.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 356 c147-8W; 136941
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Artworks Ownership Museums and galleries Research Theft World War II
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk