§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations have been received from foreign Governments about the return of(a) aboriginal human remains and (b) artefacts removed from aboriginal tombs and graves that are held in United Kingdom museums, Government departments and agencies, and learning and research institutions; and if he will make a statement. [131838]
§ Mr. Alan Howarth[holding answer 25 July 2000]: The subject of ancestral remains was raised by the Australian Prime Minister Mr. John Howard during his meeting with my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on, following which they issued a joint statement. No other foreign governments have made representations in recent years.
§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list those art, cultural and folk artifacts that foreign Governments have requested be returned to their country of origin and which650W are currently held in (a) public institutions and (b) private collections within the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [131837]
§ Mr. Alan Howarth[holding answer 25 July 2000]: The following are the requests received from foreign governments:
For the Parthenon Sculptures from the Government of Greece; for the Koh-I-Noor diamond from the Governments of India and Pakistan and for items from the India Office Library from the Governments of India, Pakistan, Burma, Nepal and Bangladesh.
§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what inventory has been made of(a) aboriginal human remains and (b) artefacts removed from aboriginal tombs and graves, held in museums, Government departments and agencies, and learning and research institutions within the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [131839]
§ Mr. Alan Howarth[holding answer 25 July 2000]: No central inventory exists at present. It is a matter for each individual institution holding such items to compile their own records.