HC Deb 05 July 1965 vol 715 cc1092-3
5. Mr. Hamling

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what representations have been made to him about the decision not to hold a son et lumiére performance at Hampton Court Palace this year; and what replies he has sent.

Mr. C. Pannell

I have received representations, but I have made a general rule that because of the disturbance to residents permission should not be given for son et lumiére at Hampton Court Palace or at similar historic places in two consecutive years.

Mr. Hamling

Will my right hon. Friend tell the House whether the grace-and-favour residents objected and, if so, is it not remarkable that people who live there free should object to other people who pay having their entertainment?

Mr. Pannell

My hon. Friend is usually fair, but I think that this supplementary question is unfair, in so far as many old people in the grace-and-favour residences have spent out their lives in the service of the State and, as a matter of fact, it is probable in many of these cases that it is we who owe them something.

Mr. William Hamilton

Will my right hon. Friend say how many complaints he has had about the holding of son et lumiére at Hampton Court? Will he indicate whether the people who have served the nation well and who occupy these houses include retired coal miners and steel workers, for example—or who are they?

Mr. Pannell

They do not include retired coal miners and steel workers, but people who serve the State are not limited to this sort of people.

Mr. Hamilton

In view of the very unsatisfactory answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.