HC Deb 25 November 2002 vol 395 cc109-10W
Mr. Andrew Turner

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures are in place to provide a national database of stolen art and artefacts; and if he will make a statement. [80983]

Mr. Denham

The Home Office is considering with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the National Crime Intelligence Service and the police, the feasibility of implementing a national database of unlawfully obtained cultural property as recommended by the House of Commons Select Committee in a report entitled "Cultural Property: Return and Illicit Trade" published in July 2000.

Mr. Andrew Turner

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which police forces employ specialists in stolen art and artefacts. [80985]

Mr. Denham

The Home Office does not keep a central record of which forces employ specialists in stolen art and artefacts but all police forces in England and Wales appoint a due diligence officer who is a focal point for dealing with art and antiques crimes within their force.