§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the functioning of the Historical Buildings Council for Scotland.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe Historic Buildings Council for Scotland has the statutory responsibility for advising my right hon. Friend on the discharge of certain of his powers in relation to listed buildings, most notably the making of historic building repair grants. The council's terms of reference, membership and activities over the years since 1953 when it was set up are set out in its annual reports, which are laid before both Houses of Parliament.
My right hon. Friend is grateful for the sound advice which the council provides.