'No convincing case' for Marbles' return

The marbles were brought to the UK in the 19th century

Greece has failed to make a "morally or culturally" convincing case for the return of the Elgin Marbles, according to the government.

But Arts Minister Alan Howarth said the government would continue to have discussions with the Greek authorities.

The Greek Government is keen to see the return of the ancient treasures to their original home in Athens.

The government does not believe that a convincing case, morally or culturally, has been made for the return of the marbles

Alan Howarth

The marbles are housed in the British Museum in London.

Speaking to a committee of MPs, Mr Howarth rejected claims that the marbles were as precious to Greece as the Crown jewels are to the UK.

He said: "Important and beautiful though the Parthenon Marbles are, I cannot see that they are unique in the sense that of all the monuments that have been dispersed to the museums of the world they should be brought back.

Marbles 'bought legally'

"The government does not believe that a convincing case, morally or culturally, has been made for the return of the Marbles, though we will continue to listen to what this committee advises and to what our colleagues in Greece say to us.

"The marbles were legally acquired and brought here by the permission of the religious authorities of the time," he concluded.

The minister's remarks follow the suggestion earlier in the week that Greece and the UK share ownership of the marbles.

Greek foreign minister George Papandreou made the suggestion to the Commons Culture Committee.

Repatriation not 'the answer'

But appearing before the committee on Thursday, the director of the British Museum, Dr Robert Anderson, defended its position.

He said: "If an antiquity from this country left the country at the beginning of the 19th century, even if it were of great significance historically, I do not think that repatriation would be the answer.

But he conceded: "There are objects in the British Museum which, if they became available now, we might not accept."

The UK Government has consistently rejected demands for the Marbles to be returned to Greece, insisting that when Lord Elgin, the then British Ambassador, removed them between 1803 and 1812, he was acting legally.