HC Deb 08 December 1936 vol 318 cc1829-30
48. Mr. MANDER

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the names of the members of the Royal Fine Art Commission; whether a report of their work is published from time to time; what matters have received their attention during the last two years; and whether they are consulted by all Government Departments when appropriate occasions arise?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

As the answer is somewhat long I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The Royal Fine Art Commission (England) was appointed by Royal Warrant in May, 1924, to inquire into such questions of public amenity or of artistic importance as may be referred to them from time to time by any Department of State, and to report thereon to such Department; and, furthermore, to give advice on similar questions when so requested by public or quasi-public bodies, where it appears to the Commission that their assistance would be advantageous. In 1933, the terms of reference of the Commission were extended so that it is now open to them, if they so desire, to call the attention of any Department of State, or of the appropriate public or quasi-public bodies, to any project or development which in the opinion of the Commission may appear to affect amenities of a national or public character.

The names of the members of the Commission are:

The Right Hon. The Earl of Crawford and Balcarres, K.T., P.C., F.R.S. (Chairman).

Professor L. P. Abercrombie, F.R.I.B.A.

Sir William Reid Dick, K.C.V.O., R.A.

Sir Alexander Gibb, G.B.E., C.B., F.R. S.

W. Curtis Green, Esq., R.A., F.R.I.B.A.

Charles Holden, Esq., F.R.I.B.A.

The Right Hon. The Viscount Lee of Fareham, P.C., G.C.B., G.C.S.I., G.B.E.

Sir Edwin Lutyens, K.C.I.E., R.A.

R. C. Norman, Esq.

Sir William Rothenstein.

The Commission have published five reports in all, the most recent being issued in February, 1934 (Command Paper No. 4530). All have been presented to Parliament as Command Papers. During the last two years more than 100 matters have been under consideration by the Commission, and instances of matters which have in the past been referred to them are included as an appendix to the fourth and fifth reports. The Commission are freely consulted by a number of Government Departments as well as local authorities including county, borough, town and urban district councils, and so far as I am aware all Government Departments seek the Commission's advice when appropriate occasions arise.