National Heritage Act 2002

1 New functions relating to underwater archaeology

(1) Amend section 33 of the National Heritage Act 1983 (c. 47) (general functions of the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England) as follows.

(2) In subsection (8), in the definition of “ancient monument”, after “site” insert “(including any site comprising, or comprising the remains of, any vehicle, vessel, aircraft or other movable structure or part thereof)”.

(3) After that subsection insert—

“(9) In this section references to ancient monuments in England include ancient monuments in, on or under the seabed within the seaward limits of the United Kingdom territorial waters adjacent to England.

(10) For this purpose the Secretary of State may, by order, determine (or make provision for determining) any boundary between—

(a) the parts of the United Kingdom territorial waters which are to be treated as adjacent to England, and

(b) those which are not.

(11) The power to make an order under subsection (10) shall be exercisable by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.”