HC Deb 27 November 1951 vol 494 cc1107-8
44. Mr. Norman Dodds

asked the Minister of Works how many people visited the Tower of London on Sundays during the experimental period; how far the numbers were up to expectations; and if consideration will be given to Sunday opening for a longer period in 1952.

The Minister of Works (Mr. David Eccles)

From 22nd July to 14th October, 1951, 66,884 people visited the Tower on Sundays between the hours of 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. This attendance was well up to expectations. It is hoped to make arrangements for opening at the same time on Sundays during Summer Time in 1952.

Mr. Dodds

In view of the great success of this Sunday opening, is not the Minister aware that tourist agencies who are preparing their programmes for 1952 would like to know the dates on which it will be open? Will that information be given as soon as possible, and will there be a much longer season than there was last year?

Mr. Eccles

Yes, the information will be given, but I think the season must be during the summer time, because it would be difficult to make arrangements after dark.

Mr. Dodds

Does not the Minister recognise that the longest month is June and that if it is opened in June it will be opened sooner than it was in 1951, and that the tourist agencies would like to know?