Viscountess ASTORasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works whether the Commissioners of Works and Public Buildings take steps to preserve old and historic buildings now used as dwelling houses; and, in particular, whether any action is being taken, in conjunction with existing unofficial societies, to preserve cottage architecture.
§ Major Sir HARRY BARNSTONThe Commissioners are not empowered under the Ancient Monuments Act of 1913 to take over the guardianship with a view to preservation, of ancient and historic buildings in occupation, and this precludes the Department from dealing with cottages, unless they are unoccupied.