§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment, when information was first given to his Department by the Court of Common Council or other City of London or Guildhall authorities about the historical importance of the Baynard's Castle site; and what action was taken.
§ Mr. AmeryOn14th January last, my Department was approached by the Corporation regarding proposed excavations at this and one other site. I agreed to provide a contribution towards the costs involved.
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§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment, taking into account such facts as the Venerable Bede's assertion that London was a mart for traders of many lands, what policy conclusions he deduces on the need to preserve remains from 7th, 8th, and 9th-century London.
§ Mr. AmeryI yield to no one in my veneration for the Venerable Bede and will bear this assertion of his in mind. But his are not the only facts and assertions I have to take into account: other aspects and other periods of London's monumental history have to be considered, too.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment, what estimate he has made of the archæological and historical importance of the Roman Basilica and Forum in the Bishopsgate-Leadenhall Street area of London.
§ Mr. AmeryIn June, 1967, the then Ministry of Public Building and Works drew the Corporation of London's attention to the quite exceptional importance of the whole of this area. The Common Council transmitted these views to the company which was then developing a part of this area, and a valuable excavation took place in 1968–69. Similar arrangements would, I am sure, be made on future such occasions.