asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the work of the Discovering Lost Ways project in developing research procedures for Cheshire and Shropshire has been completed; and whether the results will be published. [HL1216]

As part of the pilot studies in Cheshire and Shropshire, Natural England developed and implemented research standards for systematically researching key historic documentary resources. Natural England has not published these research standards. Decisions on whether to do so are part of the review process that Natural England is currently concluding.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 17 October 2007 (WA 53–4), whether the review of Discovering Lost Ways by Natural England to define the most cost-effective approach to the project has been completed and the report sent to Ministers; whether it will be published; and, if it has been completed, how they intend to proceed with this project. [HL1217]

Natural England is currently finalising its advice on the way forward for the Discovering Lost Ways project. We expect Natural England to report early this year on the outcome of its deliberations. Information on the decisions and the way forward will be shared with key stakeholders and made available to other parties on request.