§ Lord Renfrew of Kaimsthornasked Her Majesty's Government:
What support they are planning to offer the Iraqi State Organisation for Antiquities and Heritage after 30 June to encourage the conservation and curation of the historic heritage in Iraq. [HL2913]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Lord McIntosh of HaringeyThe Iraqi Ministry of Culture has now assumed responsibility for its own administration and we welcome the reappointment of Mufid al-Jazairi as the Minister.
The Coalition Provisional Authority will end on 30 June and the UK Government are looking forward to establishing a bilateral working relationship with the Ministry over future months.
58WAHer Majesty's Government remain committed to future work in Iraq—as exemplified by the work of the British Museum. We hope to support future exchanges between conservationists and establish a dialogue on other areas of possible co-operation.