HC Deb 07 February 1994 vol 237 c55W
Mr. Kynoch

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the administration arrangements relating to treasure trove in Scotland.

Mr. Lang

With the agreement of the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, formal responsibility for the administration of treasure trove in Scotland has been transferred from HM Treasury to the Scottish Office. This is a further step in developing the policies set out in the White Paper "Scotland in the Union: A Partnership for Good".

I have taken this opportunity to make some changes to the membership of the advisory panel on treasure trove. I have increased the membership of the advisory panel from three to four members, and I am pleased to announce that Dr. Barbara Crawford has agreed to be its first independent expert chairperson. At the same time a number of procedural changes are being introduced.

This package of measures will improve the effectiveness and standing of the advisory panel and open up the treasure trove procedures in general.