The Associated Press
Friday, Oct. 26, 2001; 8:19 a.m. EDT

LONDON –– The government is having second thoughts about selling off historic silver candlesticks and other rare antiques after the plan to raise a little extra cash provoked protests.

The Treasury or finance department plans to auction silver dating from the 17th century at an auction in London next week. The items include silver candlesticks given to members of the Privy Council so they could study documents and help advise the monarch of the day.

The plan, intended to provide extra funding for government social programs, was denounced by cultural experts and others, who said the items were a priceless part of the nation's heritage.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey, a government spokesman, told a House of Lords hearing Thursday evening, that the government could reconsider selling some of the rarer items.

"The government is open to representations on the particular items planned for sale next week," he said.

The government says it hopes the items will be purchased by museums and put on display.