Written question asked by Robert Key (Conservative) on Thursday, 31 January 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 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: Finance

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will assess the merits of operating the portable antiquities scheme without finds advisers.

Answer: The Museums Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) recognises that the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) is of national importance. The British Museum (BM) 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 administered by the BM on behalf of the MLA. Any decisions about the delivery of the scheme are, therefore, a matter for these organisations. It is not the intention of either the MLA or the BM to operate the PAS without finds advisers.

Secondary information