§ 14. Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will make a statement about the official visit he paid to Kenilworth 1329 Castle; and if he now proposes to make changes in his Department's supervision of this historic site.
§ Mr. John SilkinI welcomed the opportunity to meet representatives of the owner, the Kenilworth Urban District Council, with which my Department enjoys excellent relations. In particular, I noted that the standard of upkeep and the facilities we provide are much appreciated by visitors. I do not, therefore, propose to change these arrangements. They will, however, be reviewed regularly.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the residents of the Kenilworth area are very pleased that he and his Department are taking such an interest in this most valuable and historic site? Could he say what effect on attendance the efforts of his Department have had over the various years in which it has taken an interest?
§ Mr. SilkinI am very grateful for the first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question. I am glad to say that the number of visitors has increased substantially, from about 61,000 in 1956 to over 114,000 in the first ten months of this year.