§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will consider proposing to UNESCO that a system be developed for works of art and books of world importance to be designated as World Heritage objects, qualifying for special protection, analogous to World Heritage Sites. [HL2467]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyThe Government have no plans to propose to UNESCO that a system should be developed to designate World Heritage objects. The United Kingdom already has export controls to ensure that objects of national importance can be saved for the nation, while taking account of the rights of owners. We also have in place a system which permits pre-eminent objects to be offered to the Government in lieu of inheritance tax thus ensuring that such objects remain in this country. Other countries are free to introduce such measures to protect their national heritage and many already have.