To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what effect the introduction of policy planning guideline 16—PPG 16—has had on the protection and investigation of archaeological sites blighted by redevelopment proposals; and if he will make a statement.

My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State announced on 9 June 1992, Official Report, column 124, the outcome of a review of the effectiveness of PPG 16 one year after it was published. A copy of the report of the review was placed in the Library. It indicated that the advice given in PPG 16 has been adopted by every local planning authority in England, and that the archaeological significance of planning applications is now much more fully considered. I am satisfied that the guidance is proving valuable to all parties who may become involved with archaeology and the planning process.