§ Sir Cranley OnslowTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what steps she is taking to ensure the adequate publication of the results of archaeological excavation of designated wreck sites off England and Wales. [19760]
§ Mr. SproatMy right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State has responsibility for designated wreck sites in English territorial waters. Those in Welsh waters are the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Wales. The Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites, which advises on all matters concerning designated wreck sites throughout United Kingdom waters, actively encourages licensees to publish results of their investigations. I understand that an independent body is considering a publication recording survey and excavation work on all designated sites since the introduction of the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973.