§ Chris GraylingTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what rules are applied to people and organisations seeking to participate in archaeological work alongside major developments. [110838]
§ Dr. HowellsPlanning permission for major development works is granted by the relevant local authority, and it is for local authority archaeological officers to ensure that any archaeological conditions attached to planning permission are met, as set out in Planning Policy Guidance Note 16. A specification is submitted to the local authority before any archaeological work is approved, which would include the competence and experience of those undertaking the work.
The Government support the introduction of a voluntary code of conduct for archaeological investigations and English Heritage has already begun work to develop a voluntary code of conduct with Historic Scotland and Cadw.
§ Chris GraylingTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has received from academic centres of archaeology about the expertise of the people and organisations carrying out archaeological work alongside major developments. [110839]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Department has received no representations specifically on the expertise of people and organisations carrying out archaeological work608W alongside major developments, but is fully committed to maintaining high standards in the examination and recording of sites. The Government support the introduction of a voluntary code of conduct for archaeological investigations, and English Heritage has already begun work to develop a voluntary code of conduct with Historic Scotland and Cadw, which is being undertaken in consultation with all parts of the archaeological community.