HC Deb 08 December 1988 vol 143 c254W
Mr. Fisher

To ask the Minister for the Arts what steps he has taken to establish the legal provenance of the two statues of Vishnu which were sold at Sotheby's on 14 November.

Mr. Luce

It would be inappropriate for me to interfere in commercial matters. It is for the parties involved to satisfy themselves on the legal position.

Mr. Fisher

To ask the Minister for the Arts whether he will consider the contents of the United, Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation convention of 14 November 1970 on the means of prohibiting and preventing the illicit import and export, and transfer of ownership, of cultural property, in relation to the sale of two statues of Vishnu at Sotheby's on 14 November.

Mr. Luce

Her Majesty's Government are not a party to this convention.

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