§ 41. Mr. Hannahasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings what measures it is proposed to take to preserve the monuments of the past in replanning our towns; and will the inspectors of ancient monuments be asked to advise?
§ The Joint-Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings (Mr. Henry Strauss)There are several statutory 1052 provisions designed to enable monuments of the past to be preserved. If, under legislation at present before Parliament, powers under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1932, are transferred to my Noble Friend, he will endeavour to secure that full use is made of these provisions.
§ Mr. HannahDo the Government realise that the present efforts to preserve ancient monuments are in many cases wholly ineffective, and that it is extremely desirable that His Majesty's inspectors should have complete responsibility?
§ Mr. StraussI can assure my hon. Friend that the question of strengthening or supplementing existing powers is being considered in connection with forthcoming legislation. With regard to his remarks about the inspectors of ancient monuments, I would remind him that they are officers of my Department, and certainly full use will be made of their abilities.