HC Deb 19 April 1972 vol 835 cc498-9
32. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to meet the developers of the Leaden hall and Bishopsgate areas of London, with a view to tailoring future development to the national need to preserve the Roman Basilica, the biggest north of the Alps.

Mr. Eyre

It would be for the Corporation of the City of London in the first instance to consider any proposals for the redevelopment of these areas. I expect that they would consult my Department as regards archæological implications.

Mr. Dalyell

Will the City repeat its performance over Bay nards Castle?

Mr. Eyre

No. The City of London is the planning authority for the Leadenhall market but currently there are no plans for development.

Mr. Cormack

Does my hon. Friend agree that events in recent months and weeks illustrate the need to make all historic and archæological sites the subject of preservation orders?

Mr. Eyre

The scheduling of all sites of former buildings of archæological interest is not practicable, but by agreement with any future developer it is the intention to have excavations carried out to reveal exactly what is to be preserved and what are the problems involved.