HC Deb 02 June 1960 vol 624 cc1618-9
23. Mr. Fletcher

asked the Secretary to the Treasury Whether, in view of the unsatisfactory progress made by the Royal Commission on Historical Monuments (England) in recent years, he will recommend bringing the work of the Commission to an end and transferring its functions to the Ministry of Works.

Mr. Barber

No, Sir. I cannot yet add to the statement which my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary made during the debate on the Adjournment on 24th May.

Mr. Fletcher

Will not the hon. Gentleman agree that the operations of this Royal Commission have been very disappointing and very slow? It was appointed over 50 years ago. As a permanent Royal Commission is becoming an anachronism and as this one has outlived its usefulness, would it not be much better if it were merged with the National Buildings Record and the Ancient Monuments Department of the Ministry of Works?

Mr. Barber

Only last week my hon. Friend the Finanical Secretary explained that his predecessor initiated some months ago an inquiry to examine all these questions and that as soon as the result is available he will himself take the chair at a meeting to decide what action is necessary.