Overview

This bill amends the British Museum Act 1963, allowing the transfer of artifacts from the British Museum to other institutions. The Trustees of the British Museum can voluntarily transfer artifacts, and the Secretary of State can mandate transfers under specific circumstances, such as improved public access or more appropriate display location.

Description

The bill adds two new subsections to Section 9 of the British Museum Act 1963.

Trustee-Initiated Transfers

Subsection (2) allows the British Museum Trustees to transfer artifacts to other institutions for public exhibition. They must consider factors such as public access, the interests of museum visitors, the artifact's condition and rarity, and potential risks.

Secretary of State-Mandated Transfers

Subsection (3) empowers the Secretary of State to compel the Trustees to transfer artifacts if: (a) the artifact would be more accessible to visitors elsewhere; (b) more appropriate display is possible due to historical links with the recipient institution's location; or (c) the circumstances surrounding the artifact's acquisition make its retention undesirable or inappropriate.

Subsection (4) mandates consultation with the Trustees and consideration of the factors listed in subsection (2) before the Secretary of State exercises this power.

Subsection (5) stipulates that any transfer (voluntary or mandated) requires the recipient institution's consent and it will bear the transfer costs.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly allocate any new government spending. The transfer costs would be borne by the recipient institution.

Groups Affected

• British Museum Trustees: They gain the power to transfer artifacts and are subject to the Secretary of State’s power to mandate transfers.
• The Secretary of State: Gains power to mandate transfers under specific conditions.
• Other Museums and Institutions: Could receive artifacts from the British Museum, assuming they meet the conditions of the bill. They will incur the costs associated with the transfer.
• The Public: Potentially increased access to artifacts depending on the successful transfer of artefacts to institutions with improved public access provisions.
• Researchers and Students: Their access to artifacts might be affected depending on the location and conditions of access in the recipient institutions.

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