Archaeological Sites (Hansard, 25 October 1972)

§ Mr. Dalyell
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the Roman, Saxon and medieval sites in London, other than the Leadenhall basilica, which he has under consideration for scheduling.

§ Mr. Amery
No. I do not think it would be in the public interest to publish speculative lists of sites which might be scheduled.

§ Mr. Dalyell
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he now hopes to introduce legislation to protect ancient works of archaeological importance and to ensure their investigation under controlled conditions.
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in Scotland. My right hon. Friend is also considering whether to issue a background paper on water reorganisation. Statements will be issued as appropriate on the progress of the discussions that are going on about various outstanding matters.

§ Mr. Spearing
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the title of each statement of policy on consultation papers issued in connection with the reorganisation of water services, showing for each paper the date of its publication and the latest advertised date for receiving comments.

§ Mr. Eldon Griffiths
The list is as follows:

§ Mr. Amery
Yes. I cannot at this stage say exactly what powers would be sought but it would be my purpose to supplement the already substantial protection provided by existing legislation.

§ Mr. Dalyell
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware of the possible effect on the survival of archaeological sites of British entry to the European Economic Community as set out in the London Archaeologist for Summer 1972, a copy of which is in his possession; if he will describe the policy his Department is adopting to deal with the situation; and what steps have been taken.

§ Mr. Amery
As indeed the article itself makes clear, the assessment of the possible effects is necessarily imprecise and 337W speculative at this stage. I shall, however, watch the situation closely with a view to taking appropriate measures to deal with any threats to archaeological sites which may arise.

§ Mr. Dalyell
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will report on the action taken by his Department in July and August to ensure that sufficient resources were available for emergency archaeological excavations; and if he will set out the funds then made available.

§ Mr. Amery
A review was put in hand immediately it became apparent that, despite a 50 per cent. increase in the original provision over that for last year, there were still insufficient funds to meet additional needs arising in the course of the year. As a result I have provided a further £125,000.

§ Mr. Dalyell
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will arrange that the costs to public funds of grant-aided and Government-sponsored excavations are published each year in his Department's report. Archaeological Excavations, together with the costs of excavations undertaken solely by his Department under the direction of internal staff.

§ Mr. Amery
Yes. Future reports will show how the allocation for emergency excavations has been spent as between these two categories.