§ CAPTAIN DAWSON-DAMERasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been drawn to the destruction of Ancient Camps and Remains such as of those situated near Dorchester, Oxfordshire, and Wimbledon Common; and, if so, whether he can recommend, any means, by law or otherwise, of protecting them, such as that adopted in France, for instance, where a sum of £60,000 per annum is voted for their preservation; and, if he has received any Statement or Petition to that effect from the Archæological Society?
MR. BRUCE, in reply, said, it was to be regretted that our historical monuments were occasionally destroyed. As a general rule, he believed it was within the experience of everyone that our historical monuments, whether castles, abbeys, camps, or other relics, were preserved with care by their proprietors. There were exceptions, and with respect to them he had received a memorial from the Archæological Society. The Government certainly would not undertake to preserve these monuments at the national expense; but they would be ready to consider any other means that could be suggested.