CELG(4) HIS 55
Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee
Inquiry into the Welsh Government’s Historic Environment Policy
Response from Jill Morgan
Dear Sir/Madam
Re. Inquiry Into The Welsh Government's Historic
Policy
As the owner of an ancient farmstead (with the first reference to
the holding being in 1326 in 'The Black Book of St Davids' - and
with the farmhouse and also ten farm buildings and structures being
Grade II listed - I oppose and strongly object to the proposed
merging of the Royal Commission with Cadw and other
organisations.
The Royal Commission is not only a venerable and distinguished
body, it is an efficient, very useful and very productive
organisation.
It would be extremely detrimental to its highly integrated working
systems and sections if a merger were to take place.
The roles of the Royal Commission and Cadw are completely
different. A merger would confuse and cloud the very separate and
highly specialist focus and remit of the Royal
Commission.
I have experience of involvement with both organisations, having
worked for theWales Tourist Board, the Pembrokeshire Coast
National Park Information Service and the St Davids Peninsula
Tourist Association. ( I took media groups all round Wales for
the WTB.) I was also involved for many years (with various
tour companies) in organising and leading specialist guided tours
of Wales for prestigious overseas groups - such as the Smithsonian
Institute.
As the proprietor of West Wales Countryside Centres I have also
organised and guided many visits to archaeological and historic
sites.
I am therefore very aware of the different functions of Cadw and
the Royal Commission.
I have recently become aware that many people and organisations,
who would be extremely concerned by the proposed merger - and who
would object to it - know nothing about it. One of these was the
Fishguard and District Historical Society - who have organised a
number of extremely informative talks given by staff of the Royal
Commission. (I do not know whether the St Davids and Dewisland
District Historical Society are aware of the situation (I have not
had time to speak to the Chairman).
I would like to be able to continue with other reasons for
objecting to the merger, but I have been extremely busy with work
and other deadlines in the very short time since the National
Assembly's announcement of the inquiry into the Welsh Governments
historic environment policy. As it is I am racing against time to
get this to you, as I have been in Cardiff and my return was
delayed for several days by major car problems.
As a Friend of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and
Historical Monuments of Wales I once again wish to state that I
strongly object to the proposal, and I strongly urge the National
Assembly to reconsider its position and not to proceed with the
proposal for the merger.
Yours faithfully
Jill Morgan (Ms)