HC Deb 03 April 1933 vol 276 cc1421-3
45. Sir ARTHUR STEEL-MAITLAND

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now announce the terms of reference and composition of the proposed standing committee to advise the Commissioners of Crown Lands in connection with the development of the Crown's urban property?

The PRIME MINISTER

The terms of reference are: To advise the Commissioners of Crown Lands on questions remitted to them by the Commissioners relating to the development of the Crown's urban estates, with particular reference to aesthetic and similar considerations of public interest. It will be understood that it is open to the committee, if they so wish, to offer advice on any matters of public interest, affecting property administered by the Commissioners of Crown Lands, other than those arising on cases formally remitted to them.

The committee has been constituted as follows:

  • Lord Gorell, C.B.E., M.C. (chairman).
  • Lord Jessel, C.B., C.M.G.
  • Mr. Frank Pick.
  • Sir Raymond Unwin, F.R.I.B.A.
  • Sir John Oakley, G.B.E.
  • Mr. E. V. Lucas, C.H.
The appointments are for a period of four years; members will be eligible for reappointment. The committee can co-opt ad hoc for purposes of consultation, and they are also being asked to co-opt representatives of local government bodies specially concerned with any individual project.

Arrangements will be made, before action is taken on any question which has been remitted to the committee, to make public their recommendations. The full reports will be regarded as confidential.

As was explained by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture during the course of the Debate on the 8th February, the appointment of this committee does not in any way affect the arrangements as regards the Royal Fine Art Commission, whose advice on questions within their sphere will continue to be sought as heretofore.

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

Is it understood that the Minister will not take action with regard to any of the important buildings on the Crown Lands estates without taking the opinion of the committee on them first? It is not quite clear from the answer that he is under an obligation to consult the committee in important matters.

The PRIME MINISTER

I think the terms of reference will make that point quite clear. I have no doubt my right hon. Friend will agree that it is so when he has the terms of reference before him.

Mr. MORGAN JONES

Will the members of the committee be paid a salary?

Mr. KIRKWOOD

I would like to ask who it is that gets the income from the Crown lands?

The PRIME MINISTER

The State.