§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement about visitor activity at Stonehenge on 20 and 21 June. [127709]
§ Mr. Alan HowarthApproximately 10,000 people peacefully celebrated the summer solstice at Stonehenge on 20 June this year. English Heritage, in close a positive liaison with Druid and pagan groups and the Wiltshire Constabulary, successfully implemented a policy of managed open access. The site was stewarded by over 70 English Heritage personnel, ably assisted by volunteer stewards from Druid and pagan groups, who were encouraged to self-steward. I am grateful to the police for their skilful and imaginative support, and I am pleased to report that there were no arrests or significant incidents. There was no camping at the site and the visitors willingly left by the agreed time of 07.30 the next morning, most taking their litter with them. Stonehenge reopened to the public at 09.00 on Wednesday 21 June.