§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which national museums and galleries have conducted in the last two years a review of their holdings of art and cultural objects to identify works which might have been looted during the Nazi era; how many items have been identified to date by each museum and gallery; and if he will make a statement. [111642]
§ Mr. Alan Howarth[holding answer 22 February 2000]: In December 1998 the National Museum Directors' Conference (NMDC) published a Statement of Principles and Actions relating to the Spoliation of Art during the Holocaust and World War II, making a commitment for 23 national museums, galleries and libraries to consider what research should be undertaken into the provenance of works of art in their collections for the period 1933–45.
The plans for such research were published in April 1999 (and a copy was subsequently placed in the Library of the House)—see written answer for 8 June 1999, Official Report, column 230W, in response to the question from my hon. Friend the Member for Cannock Chase (Dr. Wright).
I understand that it is the intention of the NMDC to publish the results of this research on Tuesday 29 February on the Internet.
94W
§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to encourage the owners of privately-owned art and cultural collections to examine their collections for items which might have been looted during the Nazi period. [111641]
§ Mr. Alan Howarth[holding answer 22 February 2000]: I hope that the announcement of the Panel will encourage owners to examine the provenance of relevant items in their collections. I have no powers to require them to do so, as stated in the Terms of Reference published in reply to my hon. Friend's Question on 17 February 2000, Official Report, columns 627–29W. The Panel will be available to advise about any claim for an item in a private collection at the joint request of the claimant and the owner.
§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what powers will the Spoliation Advisory Panel have in the event of a dispute between a person or body holding art or cultural objects which are suspected of having been looted by the Nazi regime, and a person or body claiming ownership of the item or items concerned; and if he will make a statement. [111646]
§ Mr. Alan Howarth[holding answer 22 February 2000]: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on 17 February 2000, Official Report, columns 627–29W, and the Terms of Reference of the Panel. If such a situation arises it will be for the Panel to recommend what they consider to be the appropriate action.
§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what consultations have been held, what representations have been received to date and what further consultations he plans to hold in respect of the membership of the Spoliation Advisory Panel; and if he will make a statement; [111644]
(2) what steps he plans to take to ensure that the Spoliation Advisory Panel includes persons who have knowledge and understanding of the (a) circumstances in which the Nazi regime looted art treasures, (b) the type of art and cultural objects which were looted by the Nazi regime, (c) the art market in the 1930s to the 1950s in continental Europe and (d) the organisation and modus operandi of the Nazi regime; and that they are representative of the communities victimised by the Nazi regime; [111645]
(3) what procedures he proposes to adopt in making appointments to the Spoliation Advisory Panel; and if places on the Panel will be advertised; [111640]
(4) when he will complete the appointments to the Spoliation Advisory Panel; and when he expects it to commence work. [111639]
§ Mr. Alan Howarth[holding answer 22 February 2000]: The Department's normal appointments procedures, which comply fully with the Commissioner for Public Appointments' guidance, are being followed. These procedures include: specification of the knowledge and skills required in members of the Panel; independent scrutiny and the identification of candidates from a range of sources, including inviting nominations from interested groups; and searches of the Department's and the Cabinet Office's databases of potential candidates for appointment. I have not judged public advertisement to be 95W necessary in this case. I expect to be able to announce the full membership of the Panel within a very few weeks and for the Panel to commence work during March.