§ 29. Captain Duncanasked the Minister of Works whether he is in a position to make a statement about the future preservation of the pre-Norman sculptured stones at St. Vigeans Church, Arbroath.
§ Mr. MolsonYes, Sir. I have agreed to the request of the Kirk Session to assume the guardianship of these stones and I welcome this opportunity of paying tribute to the generosity of the Kirk Treasurer, Mr. G. W. Dunn, in presenting free of consideration a cottage in which the Stones can be suitably housed and displayed.
§ Captain DuncanWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him whether he will add to the pleasure of all archaeologists—all archaeologists, whether they quarrel or not—by producing, when the cottage is erected, pamphlets or illustrated booklets at a price of not more than 2s., which tourists can buy, in order that the true history of these stones may be revealed? May I ask my right hon. Friend whether he is aware that the first documentary reference to this church is by a Bishop Hugh?
§ Mr. MolsonI was not aware of the interesting historical fact which my hon. and gallant Friend has conveyed to me. I will consider the possibility of producing something on the lines he suggests.