HL Deb 25 January 1990 vol 514 cc1161-3

3.9 p.m.

The Earl of Perth asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they expect to finish receiving replies to the review on portable antiquities questionnaire which was issued by the Department of the Environment and the Welsh Office in February 1988.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment (Lord Hesketh)

My Lords, I am sure my noble friend is aware that the review on portable antiquities has been completed. The responses to the consultation document issued by my department and the Welsh Office in February 1988, were placed in the Libraries of both Houses of Parliament on 8th November 1988 where they have been available for consultation.

The Earl of Perth

My Lords, I thank the Minister for his reply. I was totally unaware that the answers to the questionnaire had been placed in the Printed Paper Office in November 1988. I was one of the people who answered the questionnaire. May I ask the Minister two questions? First —and this is about treasure trove in the main —will the Minister consider passing the answers to the questionnaire to all who replied in the early days, or at least advise them that the answers to the questionnaire are available? My second question is this: have the Government made any commentary on the answers either in the questionnaire or with it? For example, have they explained why they do not intend to introduce any change in the treasure trove laws except as regards scheduled sites?

Lord Hesketh

My Lords, in part the responses were based on the premise of permission being given that the document should be placed in the Libraries of Parliament. In this sense a question-mark was raised which was answered by the department. The answer was that those who required not to be named should not be named. We believe that there is a strategy for moving forward on this issue. Previous Ministers at the Department of the Environment have endorsed the policy that we should strengthen the legislation with regard to scheduled sites when a legislative opportunity arises.

Baroness Birk

My Lords, according to the Minister the responses were placed in the Library in November 1988. The Minister did not refer to that fact when he was questioned on this matter in the debate which took place on 13th December last year. Why has no action been taken on the matter, especially as the Secretary of State is reluctant to schedule additional designated sites? That has been demonstrated in the case of the Rose Theatre.

In these circumstances will the Minister say how the Government expect major archaeological finds and portable antiquities to be saved without any action being taken or any reference being made by them to the fact that the responses have been received? Does the Minister not agree that once responses have been received one then expects action? Can he say whether the Government are determined to do as little as possible or nothing at all for as long as possible?

Lord Hesketh

My Lords, I am sure that the noble Baroness will not be surprised when I say that the Government's position is quite the reverse of what she suggested at the end of her remarks. In order to achieve the best response to the questionnaire originally issued, we offered a discretion for those who required it. However, I refer the noble Baroness to my earlier answer when I said that when we have a suitable opportunity for legislation we shall take advantage of it.

Lord Strabolgi

My Lords, can the Minister say what is the point of putting a document of this kind into the Library if nobody knows that that has been done? Does he not agree that it would have been much better if it had been arranged for a Question to be put down which could then have been answered by the Government? That would have been put into the parliamentary report and then everyone would have known that the document was available.

Lord Hesketh

My Lords, it is fair to say that one of the great contributions that your Lordships' House makes to the country which we all live in and enjoy is that the Question that has been put before the House this afternoon provides the very opportunity to which the noble Lord, Lord Strabolgi, referred.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, will the Minister agree that since 1979 only five historic town centres of archaeological importance have been designated? I do not wish to appear to be unduly sensitive, but is he aware that none of these is in Wales? Will he look at the matter very carefully? Does he agree that there are in Wales many historic town centres which should be looked at carefully? Will he accept my assurance that there are important archaeological finds to be made in them?

Lord Hesketh

My Lords, I am absolutely certain that the noble Lord, Lord Cledwyn, will accept my promise that I shall investigate the matter that he has drawn to the attention of your Lordships' House this afternoon. I hope that in some way I shall be able to satisfy his request.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, I have complete confidence in the noble Lord.

The Earl of Perth

My Lords, I do not believe that the noble Lord answered one part of my original Question. It was this: will the Minister not only consider that your Lordships should know that the answers to the questionnaire are in the Printed Paper Office of this House, but will he also advise those who answered the questionnaire, and not on a discretionary basis, that the answers are available on demand?

Lord Hesketh

My Lords, I can give the noble Earl the assurance that he requires. We can make available what he requires to those who require it.