§ 72. Captain Pilkingtonasked the Minister of Works in what circumstances he allows prehistoric barrows to be destroyed by ploughing; how many such barrows were destroyed in 1959; and how many since the war.
§ Lord John HopeWhen I receive notice of intention to plough a prehistoric barrow, which is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments Acts, it is my practice to stipulate that an archaeological excavation shall be carried out before deciding whether consent can be given to ploughing. Unless excavation reveals a structure worthy of preservation, archaeological evidence is fully24W recorded and ploughing is then permitted. During 1959, I agreed to the ploughing after excavation of 15 barrows or groups of barrows. The total for 1954-60 is 41; figures since the end of the war are not readily available.