Overview

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

Description

This Act empowers 16 UK national museums and galleries to return cultural objects looted during the Nazi era (1933-1945). The process involves:

• Advisory Panel Recommendation: An independent advisory panel reviews claims for the return of objects.
• Secretary of State Approval: The Secretary of State must approve the panel's recommendation before an object can be returned.
• Scottish Bodies: For Scottish institutions, the Secretary of State requires consent from Scottish Ministers before approval.
• Existing Rights Unaffected: The Act doesn't override existing trusts or conditions attached to any object.
• Sunset Clause: The Act expires after 10 years from its passing.

Government Spending

The Act does not directly allocate specific funds. Any costs associated with investigating claims, the advisory panel, and the transfer of objects would fall under the existing budgets of the relevant institutions and government departments. No specific figures are provided in the Act.

Groups Affected

• Heirs of Holocaust victims: Potentially benefit from the return of family property.
• UK National Museums and Galleries (16 specified): Have the power, subject to conditions, to return objects.
• Advisory Panel Members: Responsible for reviewing claims.
• Secretary of State and Scottish Ministers: Have decision-making authority on object transfers.

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