HC Deb 04 December 1986 vol 106 cc795-7W
Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people are employed in the historic buildings division of his Department; and if he will set out their responsibilities and job titles.

Mr. Rifkind

The historic buildings division of the historic buildings and monuments directorate of the Scottish Development Department comprises the following staff:

Number
Deputy Director (part-time) Grade 5 1
Personal Secretary (part-time) 1
Principal (part-time) 1
Principal 1
Senior Executive Officers 2
Higher Executive Officers 5
Executive Officers 6
Clerical Officers 8
Clerical Assistants 9
Full time equivalents 32½
Principal Inspector of Historic Buildings 1
Inspectors of Historic Buildings (1 Post vacant at present) 6
Assistant Inspectors of Historic Buildings 5
44½

The division is responsible for the listing and conservation of historic buildings, and the payment of grants towards their upkeep.

Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list in the Official Report the numbers, rank, and responsibilities of those employed within the ancient monuments inspectorate of his Department.

Mr. Rifkind

The ancient monuments inspectorate is part of the ancient monuments division of the historic buildings and monuments directorate of the Scottish Development Department. Its staffing is as follows:

Number
Principal Inspector of Ancient Monuments 1
Inspectors of Ancient Monuments 7
Assistant Inspector of Ancient Monuments 1
Curatorial Officers Grade E 3
Conservation Officer Grade E 1
Senior Photographers 2
Graphics Officer 1
Higher Executive Officer 1
Clerical Officers 2
Clerical Assistant 1
20

The inspectorate provides professional advice to the division on the maintenance and presentation and the development of the management of (i) the ancient monuments within the care of the Secretary of State and (ii) the Palace of Holyrood house.

The inspectorate is also responsible for the management of the directorate's archaeological programme.

Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many grants were awarded by him in respect of historic buildings and monuments in each year from 1979 to the latest available date;

(2) how many applications for grants for historic buildings and monuments were refused by him in each year from 1979 to the latest available date.

Mr. Ancram

The information requested in respect of historic buildings grants is contained, for the years 1979–80 to 1984–85, in the annual reports of the Historic Buildings Council for Scotland; copies are available in the Library. In 1985–86, 108 grants were offered and accepted, and 39 applications refused.

Grants to owners of ancient monuments are made under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. Information on grants awarded before 1983 is not available. In 1983–84, 11 grants were awarded totalling £67,274; in 1984–85, nine grants totalling £46,222; in 1985–86, eight grants totalling £36,480.