§ 2. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the threat to archaeological excavations at Waltham Abbey from the proposed siting of a Lea Valley regional park building; and whether he will state his policy for the protection of archaeology in places of development.
§ The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Mr. Denis Howell)The only representation I have received is from the curator of the Passmore Edwards museum, Stratford, whose staff are excavating at Waltham Abbey at my request. He has complained that the developers 936 wanted his excavation finished by 23rd October. The developers have, however, agreed to an extension of the period to the end of the year.
Sites of major archaeological importance should preferably remain undisturbed, but where development is necessary opportunities should be available for prior archaeological investigation.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonDoes the right hon. Gentleman know that his Department recognised the great archaeological importance of Abbey Mead in 1972? Should not excavations be allowed to proceed, particularly as the vicar, the church council, the local tourist board and many of my constituents think that it is not the correct site for the exhibition centre?
§ Mr. HowellIt is not, I think, an exhibition centre; it is an information centre. We investigated a number of sites and had the advice of the Inspectorate of Ancient Monuments. The site finally chosen was the one that we were advised had the least archaeological importance, although it has some importance.