§ MR. SAMUEL YOUNG (Cavan, East)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that there is a strong desire, not only on the part of the people of London but of all visitors from the provinces, that Buckingham Palace, with its art treasures, should be accessible to the public; whether there is any reason why it should be an exception to all the State Palaces of Europe; and, will he take steps to gratify the popular wishes in this matter.
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. AKERS-DOUGLAS,) Kent, St. Augustine'sIn answer to the hon. Member's question I have to say that I am not aware that Buckingham Palace is an exception to all the State Palaces of Europe. It is, in point of fact, not the case, as nearly every inhabited palace in Europe, including that of the President of the French Republic, is closed to the public. I have before stated to the House the objections which there are to the opening of Buchingham Palace. It is unsuitable from internal arrangement for exhibition, and it is almost continually occupied by members of Her Majesty's family. The Queen has given every possible facility to the public to view Windsor and other Royal Palaces, and I am not prepared to ask Her Majesty to make any concession in regard to Buckingham Palace, nor can I hold out any hope that any concession will be made.
§ MR. SAMUEL YOUNGIs it not a fact that the Palace is unoccupied for the most part of the year, and is there not a charge on the Estimates for it?
§ MR. AKERS-DOUGLASI have answered the hon. Member's question fully. If he desires further information I would refer him to the Debate on the Estimates for the Royal Palaces, when this subject was fully discussed.