Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have received about the repatriation of artefacts in UK museums and galleries and the legality of the acquisition of such artefacts; and, where acquisition is contested, whether they have any plans to legislate to facilitate the return of any such artefacts.

Museums and galleries in the UK operate independently of the Government. Decisions relating to the care and management of their collections are a matter for the trustees of each museum, including research into items’ provenance and claims for restitution. Last year, Arts Council England published guidance on the handling of restitution claims and practical advice for museums on this matter.

Some national museums are prevented by legislation from deaccessioning objects in their collections unless, broadly, they are duplicates or unfit for retention. The two exceptions to this are when the objects are human remains less than 1,000 years old, and objects spoliated during the Nazi era. The Government has no plans to change these laws.