§ 22. Mr. WHITEHOUSEasked the First Commissioner of Works whether a charge for admission to Kew Gardens is now made on each day of the week, and what is the amount of the same; and whether he will remit the charge on Saturdays and Sundays in the interests of poor children?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Acland)My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. It is proposed to make a charge for admission into Kew Gardens of one penny on each day of the week except Tuesdays and Fridays, on which, as students' days, a charge of sixpence will be made. If the hon. Member's suggestion were adopted, the object in view in making the charges, which is national economy, would be to a large extent frustrated, because of the high average attendance at the gardens on Saturdays and Sundays.
§ Mr. WHITEHOUSEIs no arrangement contemplated for admitting parties of school children free at week-ends?
§ Mr. ACLANDNo, I think not. The object is to make a little money for the nation.
§ Mr. WHITEHOUSEWill my hon. Friend remember the great advantages to national efficiency which free admission to these gardens for the poor children of London means?
§ Mr. ACLANDI am not sure that admission at 1d. is not of more value and therefore likely to be more useful.
§ Sir W. BYLESHas there ever before been a charge for admission to Kew Gardens?
§ Mr. ACLANDNo, Sir; and there has never before been a war of this kind.