HC Deb 08 March 1978 vol 945 cc643-4W
Mr. Brittan

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has yet received comment on the reorganisation of the Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division from the British Academy, whose sponsorship of the reconstituted advisory committee he announced in his parliamentary reply of 8th December 1977; and, if so what was the advice of the Academy's committee.

Mr. Guy Barnett

My right hon. Friend has received letters from the British Academy expressing concern about the recently announced changes in the Ordnance Survey's archaeological operations. He is awaiting a detailed memorandum on these matters which the British Academy has in preparation. The British Academy has expressed its wish to submit evidence to the Ordnance Survey Review Committee, and an invitation to do so has been sent to it.

Mr. Brittan

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has yet received the advice of the Ancient Monuments Board, anticipated in his parliamentary reply of 11th November 1977, on the reorganisation of the Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division; and, if so, if the Board is satisfied with the new arrangements for archaeological survey and recording.

Mr. Guy Barnett

My right hon. Friend has received a letter from the Ancient Monuments Board expressing concern about the recently announced changes in the Ordnance Survey's archaeological operations.

The question of an improved system for the recording of antiquities raises several issues which the Department is considering. In the meantime, the Director General of the Ordnance Survey has undertaken that the new arrangements for archaeological mapping will be carefully monitored. It will be open to the Ancient Monuments Board to submit evidence on These and other matters to the Ordnance Survey Review Committee, and an invitation to submit evidence has been sent to the Board.