§ MR. STANLEY LEIGHTON (Shropshire, Oswestry)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that gems and antique relics found in Cyprus have for many years been, and are still being, taken away from the island; and whether some restrictions could be placed upon their removal?
§ BARON H. DE WORMSDigging for antiquities cannot take place in Cyprus except under permit from the Government, which usually reserves to itself a share by way of Royalty. The permits are now given out with much caution, but the licences are not restricted by law as to the removal from the island of their share of what is found. Her Majesty's Government have decided not to issue any further licences (except, perhaps, under very special circumstances) to private parties desiring to export the antiquities for their own profit or benefit, but only to institutions like the Cyprus Museum, the British Museum, the Berlin Museum, &c.