§ 58. Commander Maitlandasked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that the area in which extensive digging operations are being conducted at the corner of Great Smith Street and Victoria Street is one of great historic interest; and whether he will now approach those responsible for these operations with a view to securing an option for the purchase for the nation of any objects of historic interest found in the course of them.
§ Lord John HopeI am aware of the historic interest of this site, but I am advised that any remains of archaeological value would have been destroyed by the foundations of the buildings recently demolished. The Ancient Monuments Acts do not empower me to purchase finds of archaeological or historic interest.