§ 46. Captain CAZALETasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider introducing legislation with the object of securing, for the British Museum or other public place of record, copies of any historical documents of national importance which are about to be exported abroad?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe suggestion of the hon. and gallant Member has been noted for consideration.
§ Captain CAZALETIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, if anyone wishes to study the history of the House of Commons during the latter part of the 18th Century, he has to go to California, as nearly all the relevant papers are there at the present time?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf I may answer that question, not only as Prime Minister, but as a Trustee of the British Museum, we have never found any difficulty in getting these copies if they are asked for, but the whole matter is under consideration, as I have stated in my reply to the question.
§ 47. Captain CAZALETasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the sale of the Bradenstoke tithe barn in Wiltshire and its removal to the United States of America; and whether he contemplates any legislation which will give the Commissioner of Works under the Ancient Monuments Consolidation and Amendment Act, 1913, additional powers so as to ensure that similar removals of buildings cannot take place in the future?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have learned with much regret that this building has been demolished, but I understand that it is not the fact that it is being removed to America. I understand that it has been for a long time in a state of decay and that the purchasers have pulled it down to re-use some of the old materials at another ancient building in Wales. I will ask my right hon. Friend the First Commissioner of Works to consider whether any additional legislative powers are needed to safeguard such old buildings.