§ 36. Mr. JAMES HOGGEasked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether all historical buildings will now be the special care of the Ancient Monuments Board, or whether certain historical buildings will be under the supervision of the Ancient Monuments 422 branch of the Scottish Office of Works; and whether he can state which buildings will be controlled by which?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN (Lord of the Treasury)The functions of the various Ancient Monuments Boards are specified in the Act. As a matter of courtesy, however, the First Commissioner is anxious to consult them as to any important proposal affecting historic buildings with which he is concerned. An architect of Scottish nationality responsible for the ancient monuments in Scotland is permanently stationed in Edinburgh.
§ Mr. HOGGEWill the hon. Gentleman explain the relationship between the Scottish architect who is stationed at Edinburgh and the Scottish Office of Works?
§ Mr. BENNThe Scottish architect stationed in Edinburgh answers primarily to the head of the Ancient Monuments branch in London, who himself consults directly through the architects' office with the Scottish Ancient Monuments Board.
§ Mr. HOGGEAre we to understand that this official in Scotland, whom my hon. Friend seems to know so little about, is not responsible in any way to the Scottish Office of Works, but is responsible to the London Office of Works, which is presided over by two Englishmen?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member ought to give notice of questions of that kind.