Cultural Objects: Sevso Treasure

Lord Renfrew of Kaimsthorn
asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the faith which has been expressed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in the efficacy of self-regulation by the London art trade has been diminished by the announced forthcoming exhibition by Bonhams the auctioneers of the Sevso treasure. [HL7481]

Lord Davies of Oldham
The Government believe that self-regulation continues to be the most effective means to balance the interests of the legitimate trade in antiquities with measures to combat the illicit trade in cultural property. The fact that Bonhams has chosen to stage a private exhibition of the Sevso silver does not alter that view.

Lord Renfrew of Kaimsthorn
asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the acquisition or exhibition of the Sevso exhibition by any public museum or institution in the United Kingdom would be precluded under the Due Diligence Guidelines for Museums, Libraries and Archives on Collecting and Borrowing Cultural Material published in 2005 by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. [HL7482]

Lord Davies of Oldham
We are not aware of any proposal by a UK public museum or public institution to acquire or exhibit the Sevso silver. My department's document Combating Illicit Trade: Due Diligence Guidelines for Museums, Libraries and Archives on Collecting and Borrowing Cultural Material sets out guidance and is not legally binding on institutions. However, it is stated clearly under those guidelines that, if a public institution feels that there are any doubts about the legal or ethical status of an object, it should not proceed with an acquisition or loan of that object.