Andrew Dismore, Labour Member of Parliament for Hendon, has welcomed the response to his parliamentary questions by arts minister Margaret Hodge MP, concerning the restitution of artworks held in UK museums and galleries, which were found to have been looted by the Nazis (click here for parliamentary answers).

The answers that Mr Dismore has received show that the government is committed in principle, to legislation to allow the deaccession of works of art to permit their return to their rightful owners.

Mr Dismore has also received a reply indicating what progress has been made so far in relation to restitution from national art collections.

Mr Dismore said:

“I am very pleased that my campaign to amend the law is being supported by the Government.

“The real issue, though, is to push this forward and put legislation before parliament as soon as possible.

“I hope that the forthcoming Heritage Bill may well provide a suitable opportunity for this, but in any event I intend to promote my own Private Member’s Bill to give effect to the need to restore artworks to their rightful owners, when the next session of parliament starts at the end of the year.”