§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware of the concern that archaeological work on motorways and development schemes is being restricted or abandoned through limitations of available funds; if he will seek discussions with archaeological bodies to discuss priorities; and if he will increase funds in relation to increasing developments.
§ Mr. AmeryNo grants promised by my Department have been cancelled or curtailed: indeed I have increased the allocation for this year by some 50 per cent. over last year. There has, however, been a sharp increase in applications for grants and I understand that archaeologists are meeting unexpected difficulty in obtaining the grants also provided from other sources. I am reviewing the position to ensure that work on important archaeological sites in Britain is not prejudiced by lack of finance.