§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will list for(a) each of the last four years and (b) this year to date the grant issued in respect of aerial archaeology, indicating the name and locations of the recipients; and if he will make a statement. [20715]
§ Mr. DorrellAnnual figures for grants for aerial archaeology in England made available through the Royal Commission on the historical monuments of England are set out in the table. Details of all grants are published in the commission's annual report. The national library of air photographs is held by the commission at its headquarters in Swindon, and copies of all photographs funded by grants are readily available for consultation.
Aerial archaeology plays an important part in identifying archaeological remains. However, the grants made for flying costs depend partly on the availability of funds from other sources to meet associated costs; and there will be yearly fluctuations in view of its dependence on weather conditions. Post reconnaissance mapping to a high standard is important if the evidence derived from aerial photography is to be fully utilised, and the increased funding for mapping during 1992–93 and 1993–94 reflected the aim of establishing a national programme of mapping the information obtained from this source.