§ Sir Cranley OnslowTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when she expects English Heritage to take over responsibility for the protection of underwater archaeological sites. [31015]
§ Mr. SproatThe Department published, on 22 May, the consultation paper "Protecting Our Heritage" which includes details of the proposed transfer of underwater archaeology to English Heritage. The proposed transfer will be considered in the light of comments on the Government's proposals. It will require legislation.
§ Sir Cranley OnslowTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what funding her Department provides for the protection of underwater archaeological sites. [31013]
§ Mr. SproatThe Department's expenditure on underwater archaeology for 1995–96 was £220,000. This provided for the cost of marking historic wrecks on land and at sea and for the archaeological diving unit based at St. Andrews university to provide advice in relation to wrecks of historical, archaeological, or artistic interest. The Department also meets the costs of the Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites.
In addition, two voluntary organisations were given grants from the Heritage grant fund 1995–96 for underwater archaeology projects. The Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology received £16,000 and the Nautical Archaeological Society received £18,000.
§ Sir Cranley OnslowTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many officials in her Department are involved with the protection of underwater archaeological sites. [31014]
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§ Mr. SproatThree officials spend part of their time on the protection of underwater archaeological sites. The percentage of time spent by the three officials on underwater archaeology is the equivalent to approximately one full-time member of staff.