Treasure Act 1996

11 Codes of practice

(1) The Secretary of State must—

(a) prepare a code of practice relating to treasure;

(b) keep the code under review; and

(c) revise it when appropriate.

(2) The code must, in particular, set out the principles and practice to be followed by the Secretary of State—

(a) when considering to whom treasure should be offered;

(b) when making a determination under section 10; and

(c) where the Crown’s title to treasure is disclaimed.

(3) The code may include guidance for—

(a) those who search for or find treasure; and

(b) museums and others who exercise functions in relation to treasure.

(4) Before preparing the code or revising it, the Secretary of State must consult such persons appearing to him to be interested as he thinks appropriate.

(5) A copy of the code and of any proposed revision of the code shall be laid before Parliament.

(6) Neither the code nor any revision shall come into force until approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.

(7) The Secretary of State must publish the code in whatever way he considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of those interested.

(8) If the Secretary of State considers that different provision should be made for—

(a) England and Wales, and

(b) Northern Ireland,

or that different provision should otherwise be made for treasure found in different areas, he may prepare two or more separate codes.