HC Deb 13 February 1989 vol 147 cc30-1W
Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the current archaeological funding being paid to archaeological societies in the three counties of Yorkshire; what was the comparable figure(a) five and (b) 10 years ago; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

This is a matter for English Heritage.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received concerning the level of funding provided to English Heritage for rescue archaeology; if he has any proposals o increase funding; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

[holding answer 9 February 1989]: I am aware of no recent specific representations concerning the level of funding to English Heritage for rescue archaeology. It is for English Heritage to determine priorities within its overall resources.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to introduce legislation to enable him to serve an order prohibiting development on sites of archaeological significance.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

[holding answer 9 February 1989]: Provision already exists, under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to schedule any monument which appears to him to be of national importance. The provisions of that Act also control development by making it an offence for any person to execute or cause to execute specified works to a scheduled ancient monument without the written consent of the Secretary of State.

Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what archaeological mapping vertical aerial photographs have been taken in the three counties of Yorkshire; where these are stored; and what facilities are available for members of the public and students of archaeology to study them.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

[holding answer 9 February 1989]: An extensive collection of archaeological aerial photography material is held by the Royal Commission on historical monuments of England and is available for public consultation at the commission's London headquarters. I have asked the secretary to the commission to write to the hon. Member to explain what material is available on Yorkshire.