Underwater Archaeological Sites

HC Deb 05 July 2001 vol 371 cc305-6W

Mr. Peter Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to enhance the protection of underwater archaeological sites. [100]

Tessa Jowell

[holding answer 25 June 2001]: The Government are actively seeking a legislative mechanism to allow the transfer of responsibility for underwater archaeology to English Heritage at the earliest opportunity. In the meantime my Department will continue to support initiatives, such as the Nautical Archaeological Society's excellent training scheme, to raise awareness of the importance of our underwater cultural heritage and promote best practice in its protection, investigation and the public's enjoyment of it.