THE LORD CHANCELLORsaid, he rose to move for leave to introduce a Bill for the better protection of Ancient Monuments. It would be in the recollection of their Lordships that Bills dealing with the same subject had previously been brought before Parliament. This year the Bill which he held in his hands was introduced into the House of Commons; but on account of the state of Business in that House, it had been thought better to withdraw it, and that it should be introduced into their Lordships' House. The difference between this and the previous measures was, that in this there was no compulsory power of interference with any ancient monuments. Owners might, if they liked, put their ancient monuments under the public guardianship of the Commissioners of Works, or the latter body might acquire the property by voluntary purchase.
§ Bill for the better protection of Ancient Monuments—Presented (The LORD CHANCELLOR); read 1a. (No. 197.)