Written question asked by Lord Kimball (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Davies of Oldham (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 December 2007.

Treasure Act

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:What will be the impact on (a) the voluntary recording of archaeological finds by the Portable Antiquities Scheme, and (b) the operation of the Treasure Act 1996 if the scheme's budget is reduced to the same extent that the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council's budget is being cut.

Answer: The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) is funded by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) and so any decisions on its future funding will be taken by the MLA. The PAS is of national importance and the MLA is committed to seeing it thrive and evolve. The MLA will continue to work with the British Museum and other stakeholders to build on the success the scheme has had in its goal of advancing archaeological knowledge—for finders, museums and, most importantly, the wider public. The MLA believes the scheme fits with the wider Renaissance in the Regions agenda and intends to maintain current levels of support for 2008-09, while considering options for future funding in the context of wider priorities for museum collections and public participation.

Secondary information