§ 9. Dr. A. Thompsonasked the Minister of Works on what date he received a letter from Mrs. Dow Birrell, of 10, Abbey Park Place, Dunfermline, forwarded to him by the hon. Member for Dunfermline Burghs, stating that on 1121 the occasion of the annual pilgrimage of Catholics to the shrine of Queen Margaret in Dunfermline Abbey, an ancient monument maintained by his Department, the pilgrims found that the doors had been locked at 4.15 p.m. in spite of the fact that they are customarily open on Sundays, April to September, until 5.30 p.m.; what reply he has sent; and whether he will inquire into the matter.
§ Lord John HopeI received the letter on 23rd June and a reply was sent to the hon. Member today. The nave of Dunfermline Abbey was closed until 4.15 p.m. on Sunday, 12th June, at the request of the Kirk Session of Abbey Church whilst a special children's service was being held in the Church. The closing of the nave on such occasions is in accordance with long-standing custom and by arrangement with the Kirk Session. The organisers of the pilgrimage were given prior notice of this service and asked to restrict ther visit to the period between 4.30 p.m. and 5.30 p.m.
§ Dr. ThompsonWhile thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask him to bear in mind that, according to Mrs. Birrell, this is not the first time that access to the shrine has been denied to pilgrims? In previous years pilgrims have had to climb over a gate to lay a wreath on the shrine of Queen Margaret. While appreciating that there was no vindictive intent in this case, may I ask the Minister to ensure that in future access will be given to pilgrims, because I have received letters from both Catholics and Protestants on this matter?
§ Lord John HopeI do not think it unreasonable on an occasion like this to ask those who come from outside to wait while a service is in progress. Certainly on this occasion, as previously, there have been no complaints from people who wanted to come in. This lady's complaint is the first we have received.