London, Thanasis Gavos

A question concerning the future of the Parthenon Sculptures was once again raised by a British MP in the House of Commons.

John Glenn of the Conservative Party requested in writing to be informed by the Minister of Culture for two months, Lisa Nandy, what discussions she has had with her Greek counterpart regarding the loan or “donation” of the “Elginia Marbles”.

The answer, in one word, came from the Deputy Minister of Culture Chris Bryant: “None”.

Of course, it is noted that the Greek government’s discussions on the Sculptures have taken place with the chairman of the British Museum’s board of trustees, George Osborne.

The question in Parliament comes a few days after an interview with the Sunday Times by the new director of the British Museum, Nicholas Callinan.

In his brief answer to a question about the Parthenon Sculptures he first referred to the 1963 Act which prohibits the permanent removal of objects from the British Museum’s collection (barring specific exceptions).

“The most interesting aspect to think about now is how we can work with other museums around the world to lend or exchange objects. There is no brake on it and it would benefit everyone. “Already far more people see the British Museum’s artefacts outside the museum than visit it,” he continued.

To the observation that an amicable loan agreement would probably not resolve the dispute over the Sculptures, Mr Callinan replied: “I am not trying to avoid the question, but this matter is not within my jurisdiction. It depends on others.”