HC Deb 05 July 1960 vol 626 cc195-6
3. Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Works what systematic steps he is taking to preserve outstanding examples of early British industrial monuments.

Lord John Hope

I await with interest the outcome of the general survey of industrial monuments which the Council for British Archeology plans to carry out, starting with a pilot survey in Staffordshire. In the meantime, I am willing to consider the use of my powers to protect any outstanding examples in this field which may be in special danger of destruction.

Mr. Boyden

Does the Minister realise that the Ministry of Works has been waiting since 1954 to take action in this matter and that it has been singularly unsuccessful in persuading industry to do much about the problem? Does he realise that popular opinion is very much in advance of the Ministry of Works, and that the least he ought to have is a small staff of his own and a budgetary allocation in order to protect the very important ancient monuments of our industrial history?

Lord John Hope

The hon. Gentleman is entitled to have his supplementary question ready before my Answer comes, but I think that, if he reads my Answer, he will see that it is encouraging in the way he wants it to be.