§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans her Department has to introduce a voluntary code of conduct to cover archaeological investigations in support of Article 3 of the Valletta Convention. [107843]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 8 April 2003]The Government supports the introduction of a voluntary code of conduct and has agreed with Welsh and Scottish counterparts that such a code should be developed jointly between all three countries. English Heritage has already begun work to develop a voluntary code of conduct with Historic Scotland and Cadw. This work will be undertaken in consultation with all parts of the archaeological community and it is hoped that a draft code of conduct will be available for consultation in the summer.
§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to establish an interdepartmental committee on archaeology at ministerial level. [107844]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 8 April 2003]There are no plans to establish an inter-departmental committee on archaeology at Ministerial level. Government Departments continue to work together on issues concerning the historic environment, including archaeology. For example, ODPM and DEFRA are closely involved in the current review of heritage protection legislation led by DCMS and are co-sponsors of English Heritage's new funding agreement.