To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the likely effect on the reporting of treasure in England and Wales of the proposal by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council to maintain the funding for the Portable Antiquities Scheme next year at its current level; and if he will make a statement. (175277)

The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) is funded by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) and so any decisions on its future funding will be taken by the MLA.

The PAS is of national importance and the MLA is committed to seeing it thrive and evolve. The MLA will continue to work with the British Museum and other stakeholders to build on the success the scheme has had in its goal of advancing archaeological knowledge—for finders, museums and, most importantly, the wider public.

The MLA believes the scheme fits with the wider Renaissance in the Regions agenda and intends to maintain current levels of support for 2008-09, while considering options for future funding in the context of wider priorities for museum collections and public participation.