To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent meetings he and officials in his Department have had with finds liaison officers on the Portable Antiquities Scheme; and what assessment he has made of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council’s proposals for funding for the Scheme in 2008-09. (185612)

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) recognises that the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) is of national importance. The British Museum and the MLA are fully committed to the continued success of the PAS and are working together with other stakeholders to ensure that this is achieved.

My right hon. Friend the Member for Stalybridge and Hyde (James Purnell) met the Finds Liaison Officer for the North West region in December 2007.

The PAS is funded by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) and administered on their behalf by the British Museum. Any assessment regarding the scheme is therefore a matter for the MLA and the British Museum.