§ 44. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Under-Secretary for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he would be prepared to consider the suggestion of keep-ping open the London Museum for at least another hour in the afternoon?
Mr. GUINNESSI understand that the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the winter months, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the summer. These hours correspond generally with those kept by the other museums and galleries, and I have no reason to suppose that they do not give adequate facilities to the public, or that there is a general demand for any extension. In any case there would be considerable expense involved for extra staff, lighting, etc., if the hours were prolonged, and I do not think I should be justified in considering this suggestion.
Sir H.BRITTAINAs this particular museum is of outstanding interest to London, being London's only museum of the kind, would it not be possible for those who have a long working day to have an opportunity of visiting it?
Mr. GUINNESSI am told that it is not unduly crowded towards the closing hour, which has been extended to six o'clock. I think the hon. Member would agree that, if we made this concession for the London Museum, we should inevitably be driven to heavy expense in extending it to other museums.