§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Government plan to implement recommendation 1072 of the Council of Europe concerning the restitution of cultural property that has circulated illicitly; if he will seek to set up tighter controls of the export and import of works of art and to reinforce collaboration with international organisations, and Interpol, in taking action against the illicit movement of works of art; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe Parliamentary Assembly's recommendation 1072 (1988) has not yet been the subject of full discussion by the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers, and it would therefore be premature to consider its implementation by Her Majesty's Government. Statutory control of the import and export of works of art is a matter for my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. The facilities of Interpol are available to assist the investigation of the alleged illicit movement of works of art, just as they are for any other criminal investigation.