§ 20. Sir JOHN WITHERSasked the First Commissioner of Works what is the exact state of negotiations for the preservation of the Roman Wall pending the introduction of legislation; and whether there is any definite undertaking that the wall and vallum will be protected from encroachment pending legislation?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. Lansbury)As I have already informed the House, negotiations have been proceeding in accordance with a decision of the Cabinet, with the view to limiting the area within which quarrying is to be allowed, and, from a letter which I have received from the quarry owner, I anticipate to a successful issue. No quarrying has yet begun on the site and there will be no interference at any time with the wall or the vallum. If, as I hope, the legislation contemplated is carried through without delay, the surroundings of the wall as a whole can be adequately protected for the future.