§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what consideration he is giving to proposing a compulsory register for metal detectors, of a kind suitable for use in archaeological treasure hunting;
(2) if he will consider setting up a compulsory register for metal detector owners with a view to helping to stop the raiding of valuable archaeological sites in Great Britain.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisWhile my hon. Friend's concern is appreciated, my right hon. Friend has at present no proposals for setting up compulsory registers to control the activities of unauthorised treasure hunters with metal detectors. Interfering with scheduled monuments already constitutes an offence and the best answer would seem to lie in vigilance by local archaeological interests and all those who are concerned to protect our archaeological heritage.
Up to and including £10 £11-£25 £26-£50 Over £50 1971 … … … … 1,727 63 3 — 1972 … … … … 1,903 257 17 2 1973 … … … … 1,907 482 51 3