§ 31. Mr. WINGasked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if he will state on what conditions and for what reasons the decision to close the palaces of Hampton Court and Holyrood has been modified?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN (Lord of the Treasury)The conditions on which the palaces will be opened have been published in the Press. Owing to the recent outrages by suffragettes, the First Commissioner found himself unable, very much to his regret, to allow unrestricted access to Hampton Court and Holyrood. The only way in which it was possible to provide for the extra expense involved by the surveillance necessary, if the palaces were to be opened at all, was by charging entrance fees. This has been done as a temporary measure, and the course seemed to the First Commissioner, on the whole, better than keeping the palaces closed.
§ Mr. FREDERICK WHYTECan the hon. Gentleman say how long that measure will be in operation?
§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNEMay I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he thinks this charge of 1s. will be the means of keeping the suffragettes out?
§ Mr. BENNNo, but it will provide the additional money necessary to provide for increased supervision.
§ Mr. FELLHas the hon. Gentleman received any information that Colonial visitors over here will be very glad to hear of the regulations he has made?