HC Deb 30 July 1935 vol 304 cc2624-5

Lords Amendment: In page 54, line 18, at the end, insert: and the local authority shall furnish to the Department a copy of any representation, recommendation or report made to them by the committee.

10.27 p.m.

Sir G. COLLINS

I beg to move, "That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment."

This Amendment raises a point which has not yet been raised either on Report or in Committee. The Government lay great stress on the improvement of amenities in housing schemes in Scotland, and the Clause provides for the appointment by local authorities of advisory committees. In addition, it is hoped that these committees will keep a watchful eye on buildings of architectural, historical and artistic interest, with a view to their preservation should they happen to be included in clearance or re-development schemes. The object of the Amendment is to ensure that, where such buildings are subjects for clearance or re-development, the Department shall be advised.

Mr. N. MACLEAN

Apparently no power is given either in this Clause or in any other part of the Bill, and I think power should be given, to take steps to preserve buildings of historic or architectural interest. The Clause does not give the local authority power so to repair, alter or strengthen such a building as to preserve it.

Sir G. COLLINS

There is no financial provision for that purpose, but no doubt local authorities that are anxious to preserve such amenities in their own interests will themselves find such small sums of money as may be necessary.