HC Deb 06 July 1914 vol 64 cc802-3
6. Mr. JAMES HOGGE

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East the expert qualifications of the members of the Ancient Monuments Board for Scotland; whether the First Commissioner consulted any Scottish Members of Parliament before selecting the members of the Board; whether he consulted the Secretary for Scotland; and why he persists in refusing the expressed desire of Scottish Members for direct representation on a Board concerned with the care of Scotland's historic monuments?

Mr. W. BENN

The First Commissioner will send my hon. Friend the names of the members of the Scottish Board, which is national in character, and includes some of the most eminent of Scottish antiquarians.

Mr. HOGGE

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question, which asks whether the Board of Works consulted the Secretary for Scotland, or whether they consulted any Scottish Member, before deciding this matter?

Mr. BENN

As the First Commissioner is responsible for the appointment, if my hon. Friend has any suggestion to make he will be glad to receive it.

Mr. HOGGE

Do we understand there was no such consultation?

Mr. BENN

No, Sir. What I said was the First Commissioner was responsible for the appointment.