HC Deb 30 July 1923 vol 167 cc1015-6
30. Mr. GILBERT

asked the Minister of Agriculture what charge is now made to the public for entrance to Kew Gardens; whether any charge was made in pre-War years; when a charge was first imposed; if there has been any reduction on the first charge made; if so, when; and whether he will consider as to abolishing the charge for admission to these educational gardens?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir Robert Sanders)

The charge now made to the public for entrance to Kew Gardens is as follows:

On Mondays, Tuesdays following Bank Holidays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Good Friday, Saturdays and Sundays 1d.
On Tuesdays and Fridays (students' days) except as above 6d.
School parties, including a teacher or teachers, are admitted at a charge of 6d. for 12, with 3d. for each additional six, while season tickets available for the calendar year can be obtained for £1 and 5s. in the case of students.

Special charges are made for bath chairs, perambulators, etc.

No charge was made in pre-War years. The charge for admission was first imposed in January, 1916, since when no reduction has been made. I regret that I do not see my way to abolish the charge for admission to these gardens. I have no evidence that it interferes with their use from an educational point of view, and it now brings in an annual revenue of approximately £7,000.

Mr. W. THORNE

It is a mean charge!