HC Deb 10 November 1992 vol 213 c849

That this House takes note of European Community Document No. 4327/92 and the proposals described in the unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum submitted by the Department of National Heritage on 17th July 1992, relating to the export of cultural goods and the return of cultural objects unlawfully removed from a Member State; would support acceptable measures of additional protection for national treasures after the removal of internal frontiers without imposing intolerable administrative and financial burdens; notes that they need to be in proportion to the problem they are designed to solve, that they should not impair the balance of interests of the European Community which is the essence of the United Kingdom policy, and should not involve substantial additional costs whilst introducing damaging uncertainty into the art and antiques trade; and supports the strong recommendation of the First Report of the National Heritage Committee that the Government should seek deferment of a decision unless and until redrafting to take account of the inconsistencies and unacceptable administrative impact of the proposals has been achieved.—[Mr. Robert G. Hughes.]

Question agreed to.

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