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Written question asked by Andrew George (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 17 July 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 July 2024. It was answered by Chris Bryant (Labour) on Friday, 26 July 2024 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Parthenon Sculptures

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will have discussions with (a) her Greek counterpart and (b) the Board of the British Museum on the potential merits of returning the portion of the Parthenon sculptures which are held by the Museum to Athens.

Answer

Decisions relating to the care and management of the museum's collections, including loaning objects from their collection, are a matter for the Trustees of the British Museum, in accordance with the British Museum Act 1963. The British Museum is operationally independent of the Government.

We are aware that the Chair of the Trustees, George Osborne, has had talks with Greek Ministers on the issue, seeking a constructive partnership. We value the work that the British Museum does internationally, and welcome the success of their partnerships, such as the recent collaboration between the British Museum, the V&A, and the Manhyia Palace Museum in Ghana.

With regards to the legal title for the Parthenon Sculptures, the removal of the sculptures was lawful and well-documented. They were transferred to the British Museum in 1816 and have been the legal property of the British Museum, not the UK Government, since then.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
2
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
British Museum Greece Parthenon sculptures Restitution
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk