§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the implications of article 3 of the Treaty of Valetta for British archaeology, following the UK becoming a signatory to the treaty. [2221]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 3 July 2001]: It is for each Government to apply the European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (known as the Valetta Convention) in ways that fit in with national practice and legislation. In broad terms, current measures in place in the UK already meet the convention's requirements. The Government do not believe that additional legislation, requiring a licensing system, is necessary to fulfil article 3. Much archaeological work is already controlled through existing mechanisms. There may be scope for developing a voluntary code of conduct for those who wish to undertake archaeological work outside the existing systems of control.