Written question asked by Lord Renfrew of Kaimsthorn (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Scotland of Asthal (Labour) on Monday, 29 October 2007.

Cultural Objects

Question: What measures they have taken to enforce the provisions, in so far as they relate to cultural objects including looted antiquities, of the Iraq (United Nations Sanctions) Order 2003 (SI 2003/1519) as supplemented by the Iraq (United Nations Sanctions) Order 2000; how many prosecutions have resulted from these measures; and how many convictions.

Answer: Any case submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service by the police alleging a contravention of Section 1 of the Dealing in Cultural Objects (Offences) Act 2003 or the Iraq (United Nations Sanctions) Order 2003 would be considered in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors. Crown Prosecution Service records show that there have been no prosecutions under these provisions. Under Section 4 of the 2003 Act proceedings may be issued by order of the Commissioners of Customs and Excise. The records of the Revenue and Customs Prosecutions Office and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs show that there have been no prosecutions under these provisions.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 5565; 695 c142-3WA
Session: 2006-07
Subjects: Cultural heritage Convictions Enforcement Iraq Prosecutions Smuggling
Legislation: Dealing in Cultural Objects (Offences) Act 2003; Iraq (United Nations Sanctions) Order 2003
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk