HL Deb 31 July 1997 vol 582 cc82-3WA
The Earl of Clancarty

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are considering legislative or other action to prevent asset-stripping of public museum and galleries collections.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

The Government have no plans for legislation to prevent such action. The terms of the Museum Registration Scheme operated by the Museums and Galleries Commission strictly control any disposals. The Museums and Galleries Commission has also issued guidelines on the legal status of museum collections in the United Kingdom and on the safeguard of items within them.