§ Lord O'HAGANasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many civil servants are responsible for the interiors of buildings administered by the Department of the Environment; how many are qualified in the history of art; what written criteria as to interior decoration are laid down by the department; to whom these civil servants are accountable for their decisions in aesthetic matters; and whether they will make a Statement.
§ The PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY of STATE, DEPARTMENT of the ENVIRONMENT (Lord Bellwin)Thirty-six architects, 55 inspectors of ancient monuments and historic buildings and 4 supply staff are responsible for the interiors of historic buildings administered by the Department of the Environment. Three hold a degree 1123WA in the history of art while the professional training of the others included study of that subject, of the history of architecture and of the history of the architects who created the historic interiors. No criteria are written down for these buildings; each requires a different interpretation. All the staff in question are accountable to my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.