§ WITHDRAWAL, OF CLAUSE.
§ 80. Mr. WEBBasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated cost of equipping the British Museum and the Natural History Museum with the turnstiles that would be required for the collection of admission fees; what will be the annual expense of the additional staff that the collection of admission fees would involve; and what is the estimated reduction of receipts from the sale of the 2760 museum publications that may result from a diminution in the total number of visitors?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERThe cost of equipping the British Museum and the Natural History Museum with turnstiles for the collection of admission fees is roughly estimated at £ 500. I am informed by the authorities of the Museums that it is probable that the turnstiles could be superintended by the staff that now counts the visitors, but that possibly one extra man would be required, at a maximum salary of 32s. a week, plus bonus. If the hon. Member will refer to my answer of the 20th March to the hon. Member for Bodmin (Mr. Foot), he will see that it must not be taken for granted that there will be a reduction in the total number of admissions during the year.
§ Mr. WEBBMay I ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the large expense involved in setting up turnstiles, it is proposed to go on with this policy?
§ Mr. BALDWINI have decided to withdraw the Clause.