§ Mr. Cormackasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied that there is an adequate supply of trained craftsmen expert in the techniques essential to the maintenance and restoration of the nation's architectural heritage; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisI am not satisfied that there are enough craftsmen for this purpose or that we can count on an adequate number of them in the future, although I do not believe that lack of training facilities is the root of the problem. My Department already provides opportunities for skilled craftsmen in the maintenance of buildings and monuments in the Department's care, and by taking up vacant places on craft training courses. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science has recently provided money for a survey by the Crafts Advisory Committee on the need for craftsmen in stone carving, metalwork, textiles, ceramics, woodwork, etc. I also welcome the initiative of the United Kingdom Council for European Architectural Heritage Year in devoting special attention to this problem and my Department will cooperate in the proposals that the council is now formulating for studying the situation and the possibilities for action.