§ 38. Mr. VIANTasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will, in view of the small amount of revenue derived, recommend the withdrawal of the charge of admission to Kew Gardens on Saturdays and bank holidays?
§ Mr. VIANTIs this charge made for the purpose of raising revenue, or is there some other reason for imposing the charge?
Mr. GUINNESSIt was made on the recommendation of the Select Committee on Estimates, for the purpose of obtaining revenue.
§ Mr. JAMES HUDSONIs the Minister satisfied that enough revenue is obtained by this means to justify the continuance of the charge?
Mr. GUINNESSYes. Kew Gardens exists primarily as botanical gardens and not as public gardens. The inhabitants of that district are very well situated; they can go both to Richmond Park and to the new open space at Gunnersbury.
§ Mr. LANSBURYIs the Minister not aware that poor people from all over the Metropolis go to Kew Gardens to see the beautiful flowers, and why should they be penalised?
Mr. GUINNESSI do not think it is a question of penalising them. After all, these beautiful flowers cost a great deal to produce, and it is not unreasonable that visitors should make some contribution.
§ Mr. LANSBURYDoes not the Minister agree that this charge does penalise very poor people who wish to take their children there to see these flowers? They are there for their enjoyment as well as the enjoyment of rich people.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs it not a fact that very few people appreciate what they get for nothing?
§ Mr. LANSBURYNo.
§ Mr. HARRISIs the Minister aware that a proposal to make a similar charge in the case of museums was dropped, and does not the same argument apply to Kew Gardens as to museums?