Archaeological Heritage (European Convention)

HC Deb 12 November 1984 vol 67 c129W

Mr. Murphy

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration the Government are giving to the draft European convention on the archaeological heritage; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Macfarlane

The European convention on the protection of the archaelogical heritage was ratified by the United Kingdom on 8 December 1972 and came into effect on 9 March 1973.

Mr. Murphy

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration the Government are giving to the draft European convention on the underwater archaeological heritage; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Renton

I have been asked to reply.

We are consulting interested groups in this country following the last meeting in March of the Council of Europe committee which is drafting this convention. The committee's mandate has been extended until 31 December 1985.