§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce statutory requirements for smaller unitary authorities to be able to employ appropriate archaeological officers in respect of NPPG5; and if he will make a statement. [39059]
§ Mr. KynochNo. My right hon. Friend published national planning policy guideline—NPPG5 "Archaeology and Planning" in January 1994. This, along with the associated planning advice note 42 "Archaeology—The Planning Process and Scheduled Monument Procedures", sets out the planning policy context and guidelines in respect of archaeological remains and discoveries for Scottish local authorities. It is for the authorities themselves to decide how best to meet their responsibilities within the resources available to them.