HC Deb 23 March 1914 vol 60 cc11-2
16. Mr. JAMES HOGGE

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East whether, in view of the fact that so large a number of the members of the advisory hoard of the Ancient Monuments Acts represent societies with specific interests, he will consider the advisability of adding a Scottish Member of Parliament to those already selected?

Mr. BENN

The First Commissioner is of opinion that the board is sufficiently large, but he will, of course, be prepared to consider the addition of any Member of Parliament who has the qualifications likely to strengthen the present panel.

Mr. HOGGE

What suitable qualifications has the hon. Member representing the Board of Education, England, for this special duty?

Mr. BENN

He represents the Board of Education.

Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Can the hon. Gentleman say what qualifications are necessary?

Mr. BENN

To be the, representative of the bodies named in the schedule, or else to have an interest in or knowledge of archæology.

17. Mr. JAMES HOGGE

asked the period of time for which the members of the advisory board of the Ancient Monuments Acts are appointed; and how much money annually will be at the disposal of the Scottish Board?

Mr. BENN

The duration of the appointments has been limited to five years, but members will be eligible for reappointment. The money voted by Parliament for the preservation of ancient monuments will be administered by the Commissioners of Works, and not by the Ancient Monuments Boards. It is not proposed to allocate definite sums to the three countries, but the First Commissioner will undertake that Scotland is not treated unfairly.

Mr. HOGGE

How much is allocated to the three countries?

Mr. BENN

It is named in the Estimates, and I think it is £19,000.