Written question asked by Peter Ainsworth (Conservative) on Wednesday, 6 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 December 2000. It was answered by Lord Smith of Finsbury (Labour) on Monday, 11 December 2000 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what plans he has to extend the statutory protection of historic wrecks.

Answer: Mr. Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to extend the statutory protection of historic wrecks. [141535] Mr. Chris Smith: The Government are seeking the earliest suitable legislative opportunity to give English Heritage powers with regard to underwater archaeology, including historic wreck sites designated under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973, in the territorial waters of the UK adjacent to England. This will put underwater archaeology in England on the same footing as land archaeology, allowing underwater projects and sites access to English Heritage expertise and grant funds which are currently not available to them.

Secondary information