§ Sir Sydney ChapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on developments in maritime archaeology since responsibility was transferred from her Department to English Heritage; and what further developments are planned. [132599]
§ Mr. CabornSince being given responsibilities for maritime archaeology, English Heritage now provides the Secretariat to the Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites, and has re-tendered the contract for archaeological diving services.
English Heritage is also currently reviewing the priorities for its wider responsibilities for maritime archaeology in England, and advances have been made in understanding the issues relating to the protection, enhancement and preservation of two of those wrecks in England designated under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973, in the form of Desk Based Assessments. Further such assessments are planned in the future.
In addition, English Heritage has been able, in partnership with other Government Departments and agencies, to raise the awareness of industry and regulators about the need to take the submerged historic environment into account when planning developments.