§ Lord Gainfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
What progress they are making on the review of arrangements for reporting of archaeological finds.
The Earl of CaithnessMy right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Environment and my right honourable friend for Secretary of State for Wales are today issuing a consultation paper seeking comments on the present arrangements of reporting finds and inviting suggestions for possible changes in the present law or administrative procedures. The paper explains how archaeological knowledge can be lost if finds are not reported. It asks for views on alternative arrangements, including how they might be implemented and enforced. A copy of the consultation paper has been placed in the Library.