SCULPTURES OF THE PARTHENON

Early day motion 1038, tabled 26 July 2000 by Edward O'Hara (Labour). Signed by 29 members.

That this House welcomes the publication of the Seventh Report of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee; notes the observation of the Committee that the Greek case on the Elgin Marbles as presented to the Committee represents part of a development of that Government's case, that the current case does not dwell on the circumstances of the acquisition or legal issues, and emphasises the paramount importance of a change in the location of the marbles rather than their ownership; welcomes the statement of the Minister for the Arts, as recorded in paragraph 152 of the report, that Her Majesty's Government was happy to discuss the issue of the marbles, and that any progress was dependent upon 'a closer meeting of minds, a closer mutual understanding of each other's point of view'; and urges Her Majesty's Government immediately to enter into discussions with the Greek Government, with a new emphasis on what is possible rather than what is not possible, with regard to the future location of the sculptures of the Parthenon.

Signatures by party: Labour 22, Liberal Democrat 3, Labour/Co-operative 2, Plaid Cymru 2.