§ MR. BRYCE (Aberdeen, S.)I beg to ask the hon. Member for Chorley, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether the attention of His Majesty's Government has been called to the intention announced by the Town Council of Berwick-on-Tweed to sell for building purposes a piece of land on which there stands parts of the ancient walls of that town, dating from the time of King Edward the First; and whether, having regard to the great interest of these walls as being one of the best examples of mediaeval fortifications still left in this country, His Majesty's Government will take such steps as are within their power to prevent the destruction of this important monument of antiquity.
§ LORD BALCARRES (Lancashire Chorley)The Answer to the first paragraph is in the affirmative. His Majesty's Government have entered into an agreement with the town council by which they have succeeded in preserving the most interesting portions of the remains of the fortifications, including 97 the Bell Tower; and it does not appear to be possible to do anything more at present.