Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023

Section 71 — Treatment and preservation of finds

232. This section provides for the treatment and preservation of any objects of archaeological or historic interest that are taken into temporary custody by a person, while engaged in the activities mentioned in subsection (1)(a) to (c).

233. This power allows archaeologists and finds specialists, acting on behalf of an appropriate authority as defined in subsection (4), to properly conserve and analyse any objects recovered. Such objects are of archaeological and historical value in their own right but can also provide valuable information about the nature and date of the monument of special historic interest from which they derive. They can assist the Welsh Ministers and local authorities in the exercise of their responsibilities and powers under this Part.

234. Subsection (5) clarifies that this section does not affect any right of the Crown under the Treasure Act 1996 (c. 24) (“the 1996 Act”). Under the 1996 Act there is an obligation to report objects which constitute treasure (as defined in that legislation) to the local coroner within 14 days who will then hold an inquest in order to determine the object’s status.