Treasure Act 1996

Debate between Lord Renfrew of Kaimsthorn and Baroness Rawlings

Thursday 11th November 2010 Lords Chamber

[Lord Renfrew of Kaimsthorn]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will review the definition of “treasure” in the Treasure Act 1996 in the light of the sale at auction of the Roman parade helmet recently found in Cumbria for £2 million.

[Baroness Rawlings]

My Lords, I refer the noble Lord to the Answer given to him on 20 October:

“The Department for Culture, Media and Sport plans to”,

conduct a consultation that will,

“review the Treasure Act Code of Practice and … the definition of Treasure contained in the Treasure Act 1996. This … will provide the opportunity to consider whether it would be appropriate to extend the definition of treasure to include items such as the Roman parade helmet found”,

in Cumbria,

“at Crosby Garrett”.—[Official Report, 20/10/10; col. WA 186.]

[Lord Renfrew of Kaimsthorn]

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that helpful Answer. It is strange that a national treasure can be sold at public auction by an anonymous vendor to an anonymous buyer. Can the noble Baroness tell us where the Crosby Garrett helmet is now and who bought it? If not, will the Government consider reviewing the law on antiquities at sale by auction in favour of some transparency?

[Baroness Rawlings]

My Lords, I acknowledge the expertise of my noble friend Lord Renfrew on the subject of antiquities and greatly appreciate his long-standing dedication to this area. I understand his concern that the buyer and the seller may remain anonymous. However, I am told that it would be a breach of the principles of confidentiality and data protection for information about buyers and sellers to be released into the public domain without their consent. I am afraid that I cannot tell him where the helmet is.