§ 5. Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any plans to celebrate the centenary of the Ancient Monuments Protection Act 1882 with an exhibition similar to that being mounted by the Northern Ireland Department of the Environment.
§ The Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Michael Heseltine)There are no plans by my Department to celebrate with an exhibition the centenary of the Ancient Monuments Protection Act 1882 The centenary will be marked by a reception held in the rooms of the Society of Antiquaries on 11 November following a lecture on the centenary by my chief inspector of ancient monuments and historic buildings.
Other organisations are marking the event in various ways by special publications and lectures, and I shall be contributing to a BBC Radio 4 programme celebrating the event.
§ Mr. BeithI welcome the close interest that the Secretary of State takes in the conservation of old buildings. Is not the time opportune to remind the public of the value of the work to future generations? Will he consider celebrating the centenary by updating legislation in related areas, such as the law on treasure trove and movable antiquities?
§ Mr. HeseltineI share the hon. Gentleman's anxiety, but at present we have no proposals to update the legislation, although we keep such matters under review.