HC Deb 29 April 1958 vol 587 c163
6. Captain Pilkington

asked the Minister of Works whether he will make a statement on the progress of the work being carried out at Stonehenge.

Mr. Molson

The work has proceeded according to programme. Preparations for the re-erection of the fallen trilithon and two stones on the Outer Circle have now been completed, including the temporary removal of these stones to another part of the site. The re-erection of the stones will begin this week starting tomorrow with stone No. 22 in the Outer Circle. The whole operation should be completed about the middle of June.

Mr. Dudley Williams

Does not my right hon. Friend think it would have been a good idea to have left this reconstruction of Stonehenge until there was less danger of inflationary pressures being caused by intensified Government expenditure?

Mr. Molson

No, Sir. While I am all in favour of economy, I think it should be made with due regard to the importance of various works. In any case, I would point out that as a result of these works there has been a very substantial increase in the number of visitors to this site, which is one of the most remunerative of all our ancient monuments.