§ Mr. Joplingasked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will 100W define the area of land at Kirkby Thore which is of archaeological importance; what is the importance of the site; and whether he is satisfied that the site is important enough to be permanently opened and displayed to the public and that it warrants the stagnation of development over it which is likely to cause ribbon development of the village contrary to the policy of the North Westmorland Rural District Council.
§ Mr. C. PannellThe area of archaeological importance is already precisely defined, being that covered by the scheduling notice under the Ancient Monuments Acts. The importance of the monument lies in the fact that it is the site of a Roman Fort, of which substantial remains are known to lie buried, and of a civil settlement. To excavate and display this extensive site which, like many thousands of other ancient monuments, is not in any case in my guardianship or care, would cost a very considerable amount and I feel bound to apply my limited resources to the monuments in my care.