HC Deb 12 August 1913 vol 56 cc2460-1

(1) This Act may be cited as the Ancient Monuments Consolidation and Amendment Act, 1913.

(2) This Act shall not apply to Ireland.

Mr. BOOTH

This Clause says that the Act shall not apply to Ireland, but I notice that in the case of the Acts of 1882, 1900 and 1910 it applies to Ireland, and that they are repealed except so far as they relate to Ireland. What I want to ask is whether this is a new departure from English and Irish law in regard to ancient monuments, and does it mean that the Inspector will no longer go to Ireland? I am not quite sure. I have been informed that he does now go to Ireland, but I have also been informed that he does not. If he has been inspecting both in England and Ireland, and Ireland is taken out of the area of his inspection, probably we could avoid a new appointment, because he would have, no doubt, a considerable amount of time to discharge the new duties.

Mr. BENN

I am much obliged to my hon. Friend for his suggestion for economy, but, Ireland having been for some time treated separately, it does not come within the jurisdiction of the First Commissioner of Works.

Mr. BOOTH

My hon. Friend is exceedingly clever, and, unless I am very much alert, he will beat me, but I do ask whether the Inspector's services have been utilised both in England and in Ireland?

Mr. BENN

The answer is no.

Mr. BOOTH

I do not know to what the answer "no" applies. Have his services been utilised in England and Ireland?

Mr. BENN

In England only.

Clause agreed to.