The Secretary of State may acquire compulsorily any ancient monument for the purpose of securing its preservation F1; but, where the monument in question is situated in England, he shall consult with the Commission before making a compulsory purchase order.

The M1F2Acquisition of Land Act 1981 shall apply to any compulsory acquisition by the Secretary of State under this section of an ancient monument situated in England and Wales . . . F3

The M2Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) (Scotland) Act 1947 shall apply to any compulsory acquisition by the Secretary of State under this section of an ancient monument situated in Scotland as it applies to a compulsory acquisition by another Minister or by the Secretary of State under section 58 of the M3National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1972 in a case falling within section 1(1) of the said Act of 1947.

For the purpose of assessing compensation in respect of any compulsory acquisition under this section of a monument which, immediately before the date of the compulsory purchase order, was scheduled, it shall be assumed that scheduled monument consent would not be granted for any works which would or might result in the demolition, destruction or removal of the monument or any part of it.