§ Lord Jenkins of Putneyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their attitude to the recommendations of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property to its countries of origin.
§ Lord TrefgarneIn so far as the committee's recommendations refer to the need to develop museum infrastructure and technical co-operation between museums, and to curb the illicit traffic in cultural property, Her Majesty's Government support them in principle. At the same time, Her Majesty's Government maintain reservations about their practical implementation. We do not accept the principle that cultural property should be returned to its country of origin, save in the case of illicit appropriation.
House adjourned at seventeen minutes before seven o'clock.