David Lammy said:

"The transfer of administrative responsibilities is one of a number of measures currently being considered to improve the current service we provide to Treasure finders – making the system more efficient and easier to use.

"Under the current arrangements both the British Museum and the DCMS are responsible for different stages of the Treasure process and finders have to deal with two institutions.  Transferring responsibilities to the British Museum will address this."

The proposed transfer of responsibilities will improve the service currently offered to finders of treasure and to purchasing museums. By centralising the administration of the Act those with finds being processed will only need to deal with one institution, which will lead to a faster, more effective service for those involved.

The Consultation Paper on Amendments to the Treasure Act 1996 Code of Practice (Revised) England and Wales will run for 12 weeks, from 6 April to 29 June 2006.

Notes to Editors

1.  The Secretary of State has a duty to prepare a Code of Practice that sets out the principles and practice of the treasure processes. The proposed changes to the administration of the treasure process will mark a departure from the existing Code, which is therefore being revised.

2.  A number of measures will be incorporated into the transfer in order to ensure that the integrity of the system is retained. The Secretary of State will continue to decide on valuations, having been advised by the Treasure Valuation Committee.