Written question asked by Tam Dalyell (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 June 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 June 1998. It was answered by Donald Dewar (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 June 1998 on behalf of the Scottish Office.

Scottish Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will place in the Library on a monthly basis a report on those archaeological discoveries his advisers assess to be (a) significant and (b) less significant in the course of excavations relating to work on the building to house the Scottish Parliament, together with relevant diagrams conveying information relating to each stratum uncovered of the Holyrood site. - In Library as DEP 98/607.

Answer: Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will place in the Library on a monthly basis a report on those archaeological discoveries his advisers assess to be (a) significant and (b) less significant in the course of excavations relating to work on the building to house the Scottish Parliament, together with relevant diagrams conveying information relating to each stratum uncovered of the Holyrood site. [44647] Mr. Dewar: It would not be possible to provide meaningful information of the kind requested on a regular basis, because of the complexity of the project. However, I am arranging to have a copy of the desk assessment of the site placed in the Library and will be happy to place further reports there as significant stages of the archaeological work are completed.

Secondary information