§ Mr. Staintonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many sites that are under the protection of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 518W 1979 have been damaged by treasure hunters or thieves; how many prosecutions his Department has initiated; and whether he is yet in a position to commence prosecution procedures in relation to the recent raid on Sutton Hoo.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneBesides the Sutton Hoo case, two allegations of treasure hunting and three of vandalism or theft on protected sites are being investigated by the police. One other case of vandalism was dropped because it was thought that the damage had been done by children who were under age. The police inquiries have not yet been concluded.