§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement about the future funding of the Portable Antiquities Scheme. [54806]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Heritage lottery fund trustees met on 23 April to consider a bid for the three-year funding of a full network of finds liaison officers to cover the whole of England and Wales. The fund has now informed the scheme officials of the outcome, and will announce the details of its decision later this week.
§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent representations she has received regarding the future of the Portable Antiquities Scheme. [54807]
§ Dr. HowellsMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for the Arts have received 19 letters commenting on the success of the Portable Antiquities Scheme, and calling for its long-term funding to be secured. Most of these representations have been submitted by metal detectorists.