HC Deb 16 July 1914 vol 64 cc2089-90
25. Mr. JAMES HOGGE

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if he will state what is the nature of the rearrangement of work which is suggested at the Scottish Office of Works; whether they apply only to the new post of principal architect; and what will be the position of other members of the staff?

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN (Lord of the Treasury)

The district work has been reorganised with a resulting saving of one assistant architect, and the work on historical buildings has been transferred to the Ancient Monuments branch. No change is made in the position of the principal architect or other members of the staff.

Mr. HOGGE

Is it the fact that the new official who takes his place under the present head of the Scottish Office is to receive a salary of only £550, which is £250 less than the English salary, and that he is to rise to a maximum of only £750, instead of £1,000?

Mr. BENN

Yes; the maximum salary of the principal architect is £750, and £100 special allowance.

Mr. HOGGE

Is this arrangement to be made without this House of Commons agreeing to it, and without Members representing Scottish constituencies in this House having any opportunity to discuss it?

Mr. BENN

The First Commissioner has consulted Scottish Members; moreover, the sums will be voted in the usual way by Parliament.

Mr. PIRIE

When did the First Commissioner discuss this with the Scottish Members?

Mr. BENN

The hon. Member must give me notice.

Mr. KING

Is it not the fact that this arrangement is by way of large economies, and is it not rather unusual for a public office to reform itself?

Mr. PIRIE

Are any further alterations contemplated, and is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Government have given a pledge to shortly introduce a Scottish Home Rule Bill, and would it not be better to wait till then?

Mr. SPEAKER

That has nothing to do with the matter.

26. Mr. HOGGE

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, the date on which Mr. Oldrieve, of the Scottish Office of Works, retires; who is suggested as his successor; and will he be a Scotsman with knowledge of Scottish historical buildings?

Mr. BENN

Mr. Oldrieve will retire about the middle of September. His successor will be Mr. J. W. Simpson, F.S.I., L.R.I.B.A., an architect on the staff of His Majesty's Office of Works. Mr. Simpson is not a Scotsman. He will have no connection with Scottish historical buildings, the care of these having recently been transferred to the Ancient Monuments Branch, which is represented in Scotland by an architect stationed at Edinburgh, who is a Scotsman.

Mr. HOGGE

Are all the historical buildings at Stirling Castle under his charge?

Mr. BENN

Perhaps my hon. Friend would ask me a special question about Stirling Castle. I cannot answer without notice.