Overview

The Holocaust (Return of Cultural Objects) Act 2009 allows specified UK national museums and libraries to return cultural objects looted during the Nazi era to their rightful owners or heirs. This process requires recommendations from an advisory panel and approval from the Secretary of State.

Description

This Act grants the power to return cultural objects to 16 specified UK national museums and libraries. These include institutions such as the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the Imperial War Museum. The process is as follows:

• A claim is made for an object looted during the Nazi era (defined as 1 January 1933 to 31 December 1945).
• An Advisory Panel, designated by the Secretary of State, considers the claim.
• If the Panel recommends the return, the Secretary of State must approve (with the consent of Scottish Ministers for Scottish institutions).
• The return does not override any existing trust conditions on the object's ownership.
• The Act is a supplementary power, not a replacement for existing processes.
• The Act expires 10 years after its passing.

Government Spending

The Act doesn't directly specify government spending. Any costs associated with the process, such as administrative expenses and potential legal fees, would be borne by the relevant government departments. No specific figures are provided in the Act.

Groups Affected

• National Museums and Galleries: The 16 specified institutions listed in the Act are directly affected, gaining the power (but not the obligation) to return objects.
• Heirs of Holocaust victims: These individuals may benefit by regaining possession of cultural objects looted from their families during the Nazi period.
• The Secretary of State and Scottish Ministers: They have a key role in overseeing the process of reviewing claims and approving returns.
• The Advisory Panel: This body will be responsible for assessing claims for the return of objects.

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