SCULPTURES OF THE PARTHENON

Early day motion 1641, tabled 16 July 2002 by Edward O'Hara (Labour). Signed by 42 members.

That this House believes that the sculptures of the Parthenon belong not to the British Museum, nor to the British Government, nor even to Greece, but to the Parthenon from which they were hacked, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thus to the whole of humanity; notes that work has now started on the new Acropolis Museum in the shadow of the Parthenon, with glass fronted galleries designed for the display of the sculptures in their original configuration with the Parthenon visible behind them; considers that this is the best possible mode of display for the sculptures and is possible only in this location; is mindful of the Private Member's Bill of the honourable Member for Knowsley South which is framed to make possible more international co-operation in the display of cultural objects; is convinced that the display of the Parthenon sculptures offers a unique opportunity for such co-operation which would bring great credit to Britain; and thus urges the Government to begin preparations now, in partnership with the Greek Government, for the transfer of the sculptures to Athens for display in the Acropolis Museum in time for the opening of the Athens Olympics in 2004.

Signatures by party: Labour 33, Liberal Democrat 4, Labour/Co-operative 3, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1.