§ 36. Mr. HAYDN JONES (for Sir ROBERT THOMAS)asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if he is aware that many ancient buildings of architectural beauty and historic interest which are situated in towns are disfigured by the close proximity of sheds, refuse dumps, ruined works, and other unsightly erections; and will he therefore, as a measure for the relief of local unemployment and in order to increase the value of these ancient monuments as a means of attracting tourists from abroad, invite local authorities to initiate clearance schemes where they are required, and assist the municipalities to carry them out?
The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Lieut.-Colonel Sir Vivian Henderson)The First Commissioner, while sympathising with the object which the hon. Member has in view, regrets that it is not competent for his Department to take action on the lines indicated.