HC Deb 07 March 1940 vol 358 c588W
Mr. Boyce

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in view of their possible destruction or damage, he is satisfied that proper photographic and other records are in existence of the main historic buildings throughout the country; and whether he will have such records made with a view to subsequent restoration or at least historic record?

Mr. Ramsbotham

It is not possible to estimate with any degree of accuracy the extent to which adequate records exist of our historic buildings, though I should expect that photographic records, at least, exist of the principal ones. So far as historic buildings in the charge of my Department are concerned, reasonably adequate records are available. I am afraid that the task of making a survey of the enormous number of historic buildings throughout the country with the view to finding out what kinds of records exist and, where they do not exist, of arranging for proper records to be made, is not one which can be undertaken at the present time.