HC Deb 26 February 1931 vol 248 cc2441-4

Considered in Committee under Standing Order No. 71A.

[Mr. CHARLES EDWARDS in the Chair.]

Motion made, and Question proposed, That, for the purposes of any Act of the present Session to amend the Law relating to ancient monuments, it is expedient to authorise the payment, out of moneys provided by Parliament, of all expenses incurred by the Commissioners of Works under the said Act."—(King's Recommendation signified.)—[Mr. Lansbury.]

Lieut. - Colonel ACLAND - TROYTE

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea what this is going to cost?

The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Lansbury)

This Bill has been unanimously agreed to by another place, and the expenses that will be incurred are in connection with compensation if we require to take any property, and also to pay some Stamp Duties which are necessary in the transfer of certain property under the Bill. It is not expected that the expenses will be heavy in any one year, but no expenditure can be undertaken without the assent of the House being given to the particular item.

Major ELLIOT

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what are the general principles upon which the Bill is framed? I understand that it will secure the preservation of the Roman Wall, a question in which the right hon. Gentleman has taken deep interest.

Mr. LANSBURY

There are two purposes upon which the money may be used. We shall be able to come to the assistance of local authorities under the Town Planning Act, if they consider that any property needs preservation. In the case of the Roman Wall we shall be able to preserve the amenities of the wall as well as the Wall itself. The Bill also applies to other ancient monuments. We do not expect that large sums will be required for anything of that kind, and every claim for compensation will go to arbitration in exactly the same manner as claims in connection with a town planning scheme.

Major ELLIOT

Does the Minister expect to be able to lay a scheme dealing with the wall before the House of Commons in the near future?

Mr. LANSBURY

That we are not sure of. While I have said "in the near future," it will take us a good time to get it all surveyed and to know exactly the parts we want to schedule under the new Act.

Resolution to be reported upon Monday next.

The remaining Orders were read, and postponed.

It being after Half-past Eleven of the Clock, Mr. SPEAKER adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.

Adjourned at Twenty - Six Minutes before Twelve o'Clock.