HC Deb 17 February 1971 vol 811 cc444-5W
127. Mr. Boyden

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he has taken in accordance with article 3 of the European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage to prohibit illicit excavations and to ensure that all archaeological excavations are undertaken by qualified persons.

Mr. Channon

The protection envisaged is already provided by the Ancient Monuments Acts, which require that notice shall be given to my right hon. Friend of any proposal to excavate a scheduled monument in England. Before agreeing on his behalf to any such excavation I satisfy myself that the work will be directed by a qualified person or persons.