§ Sir Cranley OnslowTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what action his Department is taking to improve the management of protected wreck sites in English waters; and what assessment he has made of whether adequate records of such sites are being kept.
§ Mr. BrookeMy Department is continuing to work closely with the joint Nautical Archaeology Policy Committee and English Heritage on what measures may be taken to improve the management of protected wrecks in English waters. Licensed divers are required to submit reports, countersigned by an archaeological adviser, which detail their activities and assess the status of site records; the Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites reviews the adequacy of such reports.
§ Sir Cranley OnslowTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans he has to transfer responsibility for protected wreck sites in English waters to English Heritage; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrookeDiscussions are currently taking place on what future role English Heritage might take in relation to protected wrecks in English waters; certain practical issues remain to be resolved.