§ Nick HarveyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what measures her Department has taken to transfer responsibility for underwater archaeology; and if she will make a statement. [83754]
§ Dr. HowellsThe National Heritage Act 2002 extended English Heritage's powers, with effect from 1 July 2002, to include ancient monuments in, on, or under the seabed within the seaward limits of the UK territorial waters adjacent to England and gives English Heritage powers to provide assistance in relation to wrecks protected under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 which are situated within the seaward limits of UK territorial waters adjacent to England.
Section 3 of the National Heritage Act 2002 gives the Secretary of State power to direct English Heritage to exercise administrative functions on her behalf in relation to ancient monuments in, on or under the seabed within the seaward limits of the UK territorial waters. DCMS is in the process of drafting directions, in consultation with Historic Scotland, Cadw: Welsh Historic Monuments, the Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland and English Heritage. Formal transfer of responsibility is expected to take place shortly.