Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Goss Moor (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 4 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 10 April 2001. It was answered by Lord Howarth of Newport (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 April 2001 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, if the Advisory Committee on historic wreck sites was consulted about the length of the licence granted to excavate the wreck site of the Hanover; and if he will make a statement; for what reason the licence to excavate the wreck site of the Hanover is without a specific time limit; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) if the Advisory Committee on historic wreck sites was consulted about the length of the licence granted to excavate the wreck site of the Hanover; and if he will make a statement; [157425] (2) for what reason the licence to excavate the wreck site of the Hanover is without a specific time limit; and if he will make a statement. [157426] Mr. Alan Howarth: In July 1997 the "Hanover" wreck site was the subject of an emergency designation under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. Mr. Colin Martin, who was working on the site at the time, immediately applied for leave for judicial review of the Designation Order. The terms of the licence were agreed as part of the settlement of the action. The Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites was not formally consulted on the terms of the licence but they were kept informed of developments throughout. Decisions on the granting of licences are for the Secretary of State to make, consulting as he sees appropriate. There is no set time limit for licences granted under the Protection of Wrecks Act.

Secondary information