§ Miss Quennellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress to date of his Department's proposals for the establishment of a network of archaeological centres in England, Wales and Scotland.
§ Mr. RipponFollowing preliminary discussions with archaeological interests and the local authority associations my Department is working on proposals for new regional arrangements for rescue archaeology in England and Wales. The object is to make the most effective use of scarce specialist resources and of the considerably increased funds now being made available. Broadly the proposals envisage a number of units, grouped regionally, with common support facilities. The details remain to be settled in further discussions with the local authority associations and the various other interests affected.