HC Deb 12 July 1922 vol 156 cc1214-5
34. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, when it is proposed that the State apartments at Kensington shall be reopened to the public?

Lieut.-Colonel Sir J. GILMOUR (for the First Commissioner of Works)

There is no proposal at present to reopen the State apartments at Kensington Palace.

Sir W. DAVISON

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say why these apartments, which were so long open, and are of great interest to the public, are still kept closed?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I do not think the demand for opening them would justify the expenditure.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that, especially on Saturdays and Sundays, when they were open, they were crowded by the public? Why are they kept closed?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The cost of maintenance and cleaning would not be covered by the cost of admission.