Written question asked by Robert Key (Conservative) on Wednesday, 30 January 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 1 February 2008. It was answered by Baroness Hodge of Barking (Labour) on Monday, 18 February 2008 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Archaeology

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will transfer the administration of the portable antiquities scheme from the Museums, Libraries and Archives Commission to the British Museum; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The Museums Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) recognises that the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) is of national importance. The British Museum and the MLA are fully committed to the continued success of the PAS and are working together with other stakeholders to ensure that this is achieved.The PAS is already administered by the British Museum on behalf of the MLA. Any transfer of responsibility for funding of the PAS could only follow after receipt of a joint request from both organisations concerned. My Department would then need to give full and due consideration to such a request, including the impact on the operation of both organisations and the risks involved in such a transfer. No such request has been submitted to my Department.

Secondary information