§ Mr. Bevanasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he has completed his review of the operation of the exemption certificate granted to archaeological divers in respect of the Diving Operations at Work Regulations 1981; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerThe Diving Operations at Work Regulations 1981 came into operation in July 1981, and an exemption certificate for archaeological divers was granted the same month. The Health and Safety Executive has consulted the various archaeological diving interests on the basis of their operations during the full 1982 diving season. These consultations show that the exemption has allowed underwater archaeological exploration and the development of sites of archaeological interest to continue safely and without undue difficulty. I am satisfied therefore that the exemption should continue in its present form.