HC Deb 19 December 1934 vol 296 cc1135-6
27. Sir PERCY HURD

asked the First Commissioner of Works why his Department has decided to make a ear park on land adjacent to Stonehenge?

The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)

Cars and chars-a-banc are at present parked in the immediate neighbourhood of Stonehenge, and, with a view to removing this unsightly spectacle which disfigures the view of the monument, the National Trust have very kindly agreed to an arrangement by which cars will be parked further away from the stones, and will be far less conspicuous. The National Trust have not alienated the site of the car park but have made the Commissioners of Works guardians of it under the Ancient Monuments Acts.

Sir P. HURD

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the concern that is felt by those who created the movement which safeguarded Stonehenge; and will he be willing to receive representations before the car park is made?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I have been very much concerned to remove the existing nuisance and to get the cars farther away from the monument to a place where they will not be visible from the stones. I also propose, if I can see my way to the finance, to remove the two unsightly cottages, so that we may improve the monument. As the aim of myself and of those for whom my hon. Friend is expressing his views is identical, I do not see what there is to be gained by suggesting that I am doing something very wrong.

Sir P. HURD

Would it not be of value if my right hon. Friend had some local knowledge brought to bear on the matter?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I have been there myself; my chief advisers have been there; and I have received representations from local people asking that it be removed. I know of only one person in Wiltshire who objects.

Sir ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUEL

In view of the increased number of visitors to Stonehenge, and the danger of defacement of the stones, will my right hon. Friend consider the appointment of more custodians?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I have two custodians there. One admits visitors and collects the sixpences, which provide a considerable revenue, and another is always on the look-out. I have not had any evidence of defacement of the stones.