PORTABLE ANTIQUITIES SCHEME

Early day motion 566, tabled 12 December 2007 by Tim Loughton (Conservative). Signed by 229 members.

That this House recognises the great contribution of the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) to transforming the archaeological map of Britain by proactively recording archaeological finds made by the public; celebrates the fact that in 10 years the scheme has recorded on its public database more than 300,000 archaeological finds, which would not have otherwise been reported, for the benefit of all; expresses concern at the likely impact of funding cuts proposed for the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA), following the recent Comprehensive Spending Review, on the PAS; and urges the Government to ensure that the scheme is at least able to maintain its current levels of activity and to consider urgently whether MLA offers the best home for the PAS or whether another body, such as the British Museum, would not be better placed to provide PAS with a long-term sustainable future.

Signatures by party: Conservative 84, Labour 79, Liberal Democrat 54, DUP 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Independent 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Independent Labour 1, UUP 1.