HC Deb 05 February 1968 vol 758 c6
7. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what steps are being taken to prevent the defacement of Stonehenge.

Mr. Mellish

Stonehenge has been daubed with paint, probably by students during rag weeks, five times in the last year.

This might cause serious archaeological damage, and I am asking principals of schools and colleges round about to try and stop this vandalism. I am also considering further security measures.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Stonehenge has also been daubed with C.N.D. propaganda? Is it not quite deplorable that this tremendous national inheritance should be misused in this way? It does not matter whether it is C.N.D., or "Wilson must go", or "Up the Tories"; it is quite wrong that this should happen. What effective precautions is the right hon. Gentleman taking?

Mr. Mellish

I do not know who is doing this damage. It is quite disgraceful and the scrubbing with caustic or detergent substances which we have had to undertake will cause, and has already caused, some damage. I am taking special security measures, but I would rather not disclose them to the hon. Gentleman, or some of the queer characters whom he has mentioned will know about them.