§ Mr. Ian Stewartasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether his decision to permit demolition of the medieval building at 28–32 Queen Street, King's Lynn, was taken in full knowledge of its historical and architectural importance.
§ Mr. ShoreNo, it was not. My decision on 20th October 1976 was taken in the light of the information then available to me. Only subsequently, during the course of demolition, was it discovered that there were Norman arches concealed behind the rendering of the front facade. Demolition was completed before the Department was able to issue an interim preservation notice under Section 10 of the Ancient Monuments and Historic Buildings Act 1953. I am investigating further the particular circumstances in which the demolition was carried out.