HC Deb 17 December 1968 vol 775 cc345-6W
73 and 74. Mr. Peter M. Jackson

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works (1) if he will give details of the agreement made between his Department and Major Gibson Fleming, part owner of the Causewayed Camp on Hambledon Hill, Dorset, as to permitted frequency of ploughing; and whether he will publish the agreement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

(2) to what extent his Department's agreement with Major Gibson Fleming in respect of the Causewayed Camp, Hambledon Hill, allowed for ploughing of the site.

Mr. Mellish

Following an excavation of the site Major Gibson Fleming was informed on 29th June, 1960, that the Ministry had no objection to cultivation and no stipulation was made about the frequency of ploughing.

Following is the text of the letter of 29th June, 1960:

Hambledon Hill

Thank you for your letter of the 25th June.

I am pleased to inform you that the clearance requested in your letter is granted and therefore reclamation and cultivation can proceed as planned.

During the reclamation it is possible that archaeological finds may be revealed and it would be appreciated if Mr. Bonney could visit the site occasionally to examine such objects. If you kindly agree perhaps you would advise him of the starting date of the work (embossed addressed envelope enclosed).

I would like to convey to you the thanks of the Ministry for the valued co-operation you have extended to Mr. Bonney during the excavation.

Mr. Peter M. Jackson

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works (1) which powers were referred to in his Department's letter to Mrs. R. Colyer, of Orcharddene, Shillingstone, Blandford, dated 23rd August, 1962, Ref. AA 60428/2; and why these have not been invoked;

(2) when he will give Mrs. Colyer, of Blandford, a full report of his Inspector's conclusions regarding the Causewayed Camp, Hambledon Hill, which was promised in his Department's letter of 23rd September, 1968, Ref. AA 60428/2 TJ.1.

Mr. Mellish

The powers referred to in the letter to Mrs. Colyer related to the compulsory protection of monuments subject to the payment of compensation, but such action was not considered appropriate to the circumstances of this case. Following a visit by the Inspector my Department wrote to Mrs. Colyer on 18th November, 1968, and a further letter will be sent to her this week.