§ 20. Mr. Haymanasked the Minister of Works whether he will make a statement on the defacement of Stonehenge on the night of 1st-2nd March, 1961.
§ Lord John HopeYes, Sir. During the early hours of 2nd March, the words "Ban the Bomb" and an emblem 1175 which, I understand, represents a movement concerned with nuclear disarmament were applied in distemper across nine of the stones; and on the following night crude images of animals etc. were daubed with buff-white paint on ten stones. The police are pursuing inquiries and are co-operating by increasing their patrols in the area. The paint has been removed and no serious damage has resulted from these acts of vandalism.
§ Mr. HaymanWhile we are all grateful that there has been no serious damage to this prehistoric monument which means so much to the country, will the right hon. Gentleman and the police do all they can to get hold of the vandals responsible in each case? Will the Minister also bear in mind that the general public will not grudge any extra expense which may be necessary to safeguard this monument?
§ Lord John HopeYes. Of course, we will do what we can. The only ray of hope I can offer the hon. Member is that the moon was full that night and these people therefore may have been lunatics.