HC Deb 17 December 1969 vol 793 cc1322-3
3. Mr. Scott-Hopkins

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what is the cost to public funds of maintaining buildings of historic interest open to the public; and what revenue he receives for this purpose from the public entry fees and private donations, respectively.

The Minister of Public Building and Works (Mr. John Silkin)

I estimate the current annual maintenance cost of monuments in my Ministry's care at £4 million approximately. The revenue is £¾ million, and less than £10,000 is donated from private sources.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

I appreciate that answer, and thank the right hon. Gentleman for it. It is necessary to keep these buildings open. Will he do the best he can to increase the revenue from the public, who benefit enormously from seeing these historic buildings?

Mr. Silkin

I think that the whole House agrees that the care of the ancient monuments is of first-rate concern. It is equally true that our guardianship is extending the whole time. I must keep a proper balance between the revenue needed to look after the building and the prices the public can pay to go in.

Mr. Peter M. Jackson

Whilst I welcome my right hon. Friend's reply, may I suggest that he should consider the big increases private owners have thought it proper to charge for public admission? I suggest that he continues to review this matter. Visits to Ministry sites are very good buys. Even if there were a 50 or 60 per cent. increase, they would continue to be extremely good buys in comparison with the private sector. Perhaps if there were an increase in the revenue more might be done in the way of maintenance.

Mr. Silkin

I have said that this is really a matter of balance. I keep prices of admission constantly under review. My hon. Friend may be aware that there have recently been some changes upwards in, for example, the price of admission to the Tower of London.

Mr. Speed

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how the sales of season tickets to his Ministry's buildings are going this Christmas?

Mr. Silkin

I cannot say what the position is at this moment, but the sale of season tickets generally is very satisfactory.