Fossils

Mr. Swayne
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether he proposes to take steps to bring fossils within the remit of the Waverly system; and if he will make a statement.

Margaret Hodge
I do not propose to bring fossils within the remit of the Waverley System. The export legislation for which my Department is responsible covers cultural goods only and does not cover fossils, since they are neither manufactured nor produced.