§ 72. Mr. JAMES HOGGEasked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether Holyrood Palace is entirely closed to visitors at the present time; what is the reason, and how long it is intended the restrictions will obtain; and whether he will consider the possibility of devising some means whereby bonâ fide visitors might be admitted to visit the Palace?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN (Lord of the Treasury)The reply to the first part of my hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative. The Palace has been closed by orders of the Lord Chamberlain's Department as a consequence of the damage done to State property by militant supporters of the suffragist movement. The First Commissioner regrets that he is not yet in a position to state when the Palace will be reopened. Admission is only granted in exceptional circumstances.
§ Mr. J. HOGGEIs there any method by which visitors coming from a distance, say Americans, who are very anxious to see these historical monuments, can get access to them during this period?
§ Mr. W. BENNYes. They will be treated as exceptional visitors, and access will be granted to them.
§ Mr. EUGENE WASONIs Hampton Court Palace under the same regulations?
§ Mr. W. BENNI cannot answer my right hon. Friend's question without notice.