§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures he intends to take to ensure the continued provision of an effective archaeological service to the capital.
§ Sir George YoungThe Department of the Environment's strategy for handling archaeology within the planning system is detailed in the recently published planning policy guidance note 16 "Archaeology and Planning". It describes the role of English Heritage, in advising local planning authorities in London and the 227W important part it plays in protecting important archaeological remains. English Heritage has announced measures to strengthen existing arrangements for providing planning advice to the London boroughs. In addition, the Museum of London has recently announced new arrangements which will enable it to continue to provide a valuable archaeological service, particularly to developers.
I am confident that the strengthened service which English Heritage will provide and the complementary service to be provided by the Museum of London will ensure that an effective archaeological service is provided to the capital.
§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with English Heritage about its plans to withdraw funding from the Museum of London's archaeological service from April 1991.
§ Sir George YoungI am aware of the discussions which have taken place between English Heritage, and the Museum of London about English Heritage's proposals to change the method of funding the museum's archaeological services. English Heritage intends to convert the establishment grants presently paid to the museum to project funding in line with the project based system of archaeological funding which exists throughout the rest of the country. The conversion of the establishment grants to project funding will take place gradually over a four year period, 1991–95, and English Heritage has offered flexibility in funding during this period to help with any immediate difficulties. English Heritage has indicated to the museum that it anticipates providing funding in excess of £1 million in 1991–92 and approximately £1 million in 1992–93 and 1993–94. These new funding arrangements are designed to provide better value for money from public funds spent on archaeology and to provide continued support for the museum of London's work on archaeology.
§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with English Heritage about its plans to set up an in-house archaeological town planning advice service; and whether English Heritage has sought any additional funding to cover the cost of setting up this service.
§ Sir George YoungI have been kept informed about the plans of English Heritage to strengthen the provision of archaeological advice which it provides to London boroughs and which reflect the approach which operates very successfully in other parts of the country. English Heritage is continuing discussions with the London boroughs, the museum of London and other interested parties about the operation of the proposed new arrangements.
English Heritage has not sought any additional Government funding in respect of the proposed new arrangements.