§ 3. Lord Balnielasked the Minister of Works when he proposes to remove the derelict pillbox from the iron age ramparts of the Old Sarum ancient monument.
§ Lord John HopeI do not propose to remove the pillbox. It is not obscuring any feature of archaeological importance and it has an interest of its own in illustrating the tactical significance of ancient military sites continuing into our own times.
§ Lord BalnielIs my right hon. Friend aware that the only interest which this pillbox has in itself is the fact that a defensive fortification erected in the last few years is clearly derelict whereas the iron age ramparts are in excellent condition? Surely he can take it on himself to remove what is really an offence in an ancient monument?
§ Lord John HopeIf it were an offence there would be no question about moving it. But it is a small dot in hundreds of yards of ramparts, and I think it has an interest, and will have as the years go by, for what it is meant to be.