MADAM – John Lewis’ letter (ATG No 2341) in which the chairman of the Public Monuments & Sculpture Association reveals he is seeking counsel’s opinion, in respect of a legal challenge to the proposed ivory trade ban, raises three key questions:
1. Why was this, and the separate BADA initiative to consult lawyers, not put into effect BEFORE the public consultation deadline last year?
2. Mr Lewis states: “…the government is effectively confiscating, without compensation, all value from owners of sculptured ivory that is less than 100 years old.” If only! I could live with that.