§ Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister whether France and other countries schedule their ancient buildings and other historic monuments with the object of protecting them as national heirlooms and securing them against vandalism or 379 destruction; and whether he can promise legislation with a similar object to protect such historic buildings at the Reindeer Hotel, Banbury, now threatened with partial demolition?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am aware of the procedure in France referred to by the hon. Member. The First Commissioner of His Majesty's Office of Works proposes to introduce at an early date a Bill dealing with the question of the preservation of ancient monuments and buildings, but pending its introduction I can make no statement with regard to its provisions, nor as to whether the Reindeer Inn at Banbury will fall within its scope.