HC Deb 17 October 1912 vol 42 cc1408-9
50. Captain MURRAY

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that at the present rate of progress the labours of the Royal Commission on Ancient Monuments will in all probability take some forty years to complete, and that within that period a vast number of monuments will have perished or have been restored beyond recognition; and whether, in these circumstances, he will consider the advisability of adding to the staff of the Commission, in order that the work may be finished within a reasonable period?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

It is hoped that the Ancient Monuments Bill now under consideration of a joint Committee of both Houses may be amended so as to enable the Office of Works and its Official Inspector of Historical Monuments, to deal with imperilled monuments, as cases arise, and I shall be prepared to consider any proposal that may be made for adding to the expert investigating staff employed by the English Commission.

Mr. EUGENE WASON

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to supply hon. Members with a report. It is very important.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I will undertake to consider that suggestion.