Clause 3
Holocaust (Stolen Art) Restitution Bill
9:45 am
Andrew Dismore (Hendon, Labour)
The amendments will change the long and short titles of the Bill more accurately to reflect its contents and purpose. As the Bill has developed it has become apparent that it has less to do with looted art and more to do with the power to return art. When we talk about stolen art, that is a very narrow reflection of what was a much wider problem during the period concerned. “Spoliation” is the word used by the panel. Whatever the wording, it has to have a much broader meaning than being stolen or looted. Objects for sale but under-valued, for example, would be included by the new long title, and indeed the short title. The purpose, therefore, is to provide for the return and transfer of items but to limit that provision to the Nazi era.
Amendment 9 provides for the devolved administrations, and amendment 10 relates to the commencement provisions. I am pleased that we have been able to maintain the original sunset clause, which the Government have accepted after some rather difficult but fruitful negotiations.