§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans he has to introduce measures to combat the theft of York stone and cobbles.
§ Mr. DorrellI have no such plans. A range of measures to prevent the theft of vulnerable paved surfaces is already available to local authorities and other owners. These include increased security lighting, closed-circuit television and neighbourhood watch schemes. It is important that crime prevention measures in historic town centres and conservation areas respect the character of the area.