HL Deb 15 July 2003 vol 651 c100WA
Lord Renfrew of Kaimsthorn

asked Her Majesty's Government:

To what extent they are aware of the continuing and systematic looting of archaeological sites in Southern Iraq, such as Umn al Akareb (ancient Umma); and what steps coalition forces are taking to diminish this systematic destruction of Iraq's cultural heritage. [HL3831]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

We are aware that there has been looting at a number of the archaeological sites in Southern Iraq, including Umma, Isin and Umn al-Aqareb. Coalition forces have increased the number of patrols (including aerial patrols) over cultural sites. The Coalition Provisional Authority is working on how best to ensure the protection of these and other sites from looting.