HC Deb 03 December 1968 vol 774 cc1223-4
16. Mr. Fred Evans

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what amount of public money has been spent on Caerphilly Castle since it was taken over by his Department.

Mr. Mellish

Up to 31st October, 1968, £130,649.

Mr. Evans

Will my right hon. Friend accept that the people of Caerphilly are profoundly grateful for the restoration of this magnificent castle, which is situated in the heart of the town and is a source of great civic pride? Will he, therefore, consider entering into arrangements with the local authority to enable the residents in that area to have free access to their castle?

Mr. Mellish

I am obliged to my hon. Friend for his remarks about my ancient monuments division. I think that it has done and is doing a magnificent job. Caerphilly is another example of its work. Caerphilly Castle is rather different from any other castle that I have seen in that, as my hon. Friend says, it is situated in the heart of the town. I am willing to discuss with the local authority whether we can come to some arrangement about the townsfolk having special entry.

Mr. Arnold Shaw

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the dedication of the men employed on this work and on other ancient monuments within the purview of his Ministry? Will my right hon. Friend note also that these men are all employed as direct labour? Will he, from time to time, at least hand out some sort of praise to these people who are doing a first-rate job of work?

Mr. Mellish

I am grateful to both my hon. Friends for giving me an opportunity once again to say that this branch of my Ministry is respected and much admired by the vast majority of people in this country for the wonderful job it does.