§ Mr. Staintonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is his estimate of the number of metal detectors which have been sold in the United Kingdom over the past five years; and what regulation he proposes to control the looting approach resulting in archaeological damage;
(2) what is his definition of, and what are the present statutory measures upon which he relies, as regards an area of archaeological importance;
(3) if he will give details of his knowledge of the use of metal detectors on sites of protected monuments and, separately, areas of archaeological importance.
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§ Mr. ShoreI have no means of estimating sales of metal detectors; the licensing of these detectors is a matter for my right lion. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department.
My proposals for controlling damage to archaeological sites by treasure hunters using metal detectors are contained in clause 42 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Bill. Part II of the Bill provides for the designation of areas of archaeological importance. Pending enactment, the term has no statutory existence.
I am aware of unauthorised activity by treasure hunters with metal detectors at sites scheduled as ancient monuments. I do not think it would be helpful to publish details. It is an offence under existing legislation to damage a scheduled monument.