Ministry of Justice and Robin Symes

The UK Ministry of Justice has taken over responsibility for handling the assets seized from the stores of Robin Symes (at least that is the position according to the UK Home Office). The decision by Bonhams to act honourably by withdrawing three ex-Symes Roman funerary busts from its sale next week draws attention to the inexplicable position adopted by the (out-going?) UK Government to sell off objects that are being claimed by Italy.

Are officials in the Ministry of Justice trying to avoid comment?