HC Deb 11 February 1980 vol 978 c492W
Mr. Cormack

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he proposes to implement part II of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

Mr. Monro

My aim is to bring part II into force towards the end of 1980.

Mr. Cormack

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many special areas he proposes to designate under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979; and what criteria he intends to employ in selecting such areas.

Mr. Monro

The aim of designation is to provide a statutory period for archaeological excavation prior to the development or redevelopment of sites within that area. The criteria to be used for selecting areas for designation under part II of the Act are not finally decided. They will probably include areas containing continuous and important archaeological remains, where there is a substantial risk of development.