§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his oral answer of 1 June 1998,Official Report, columns 3–4 on the Elgin Marbles, what assessment he has made of evidence that the Elgin Marbles were damaged whilst in the care of the British Museum. [45369]
§ Mr. Chris SmithIt is not for me to make an assessment. However, I understand that the British Museum intends to host a gathering of experts from both the Museum and outside sometime next year. This will involve scholars from other countries, including the Hellenic Republic, to examine the evidence about the damage which it is claimed has been made to the sculptures. I very much welcome this initiative from the Museum.