HC Deb 17 April 1969 vol 781 cc1319-20
32. Mr. Channon

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what changes are to be made in opening times on Sunday in the national museums and galleries.

Miss Jennie Lee

The Imperial War Museum started on 6th April to open on Sunday at 10 a.m. instead of 2 p.m. This is a six month experiment. On the same date the Victoria and Albert Museum reverted to opening at 2.30 p.m. on Sundays. The agreement to open the main galleries at 10 a.m. was terminated by the warders at the end of its one-year experimental period. I should like to see more museums opening on Sunday mornings but no other agreements of this kind have at present been reached.

Mr. Channon

Is it possible for the right hon. Lady to do anything to try to ensure that the Victoria and Albert Museum is open once again in the mornings? It would be very welcome if it was able to do so.

Miss Lee

The experiment was a great success. Attendances on Sundays rose by 32 per cent. However, after the year, the warders declined to work on Sunday mornings. It is understood that their reasons are dissatisfaction over a number of national and local issues affecting their conditions of service. I would be glad if they changed their minds and we could get together, but that is their mood at the moment.

Mr. George Jeger

In view of the great success of the opening of the Victoria and Albert on Sunday mornings, could not my right hon. Friend see that more attendants are employed especially for that work and so cater for the masses of children who enjoy their Sunday morning outings?

Miss Lee

Each museum and gallery has its own special problems and special character, and the breakdown at the Victoria and Albert was not on numbers but simply because the warders said that they did not want to work on Sunday mornings. I shall go on trying, because I attach a very high priority to this and believe that a great capital city should have its galleries open on Sunday mornings.

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