§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any plans to appoint an advisory 141W committee to co-ordinate protection of archaelogically important sites which are approved for private and public afforestation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AncramMy right hon. and learned Friend has no plans to do so. My right hon. and learned Friend is advised by the Ancient Monuments Board for Scotland on the exercise of his responsibilities under the Ancient Monuments and Archaelogical Areas Act 1979, including the protection of sites of national importance. In addition, as I made clear in the reply to the hon. Member on 18 June, at column 480, Scottish Office and Forestry Commission officials liaise closely on forestry developments which might have implications for archaelogy and on consultation machinery to minimise inadvertent damage to ancient monuments.