HC Deb 05 November 1969 vol 790 cc1005-6
34. Mr. Sharples

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will make a statement about the increase in charges for visitors to ancient monuments in his care.

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

At 51 of the monuments in my care charges will be raised, mostly from 6d. to 1s., owing to the increased cost of upkeep. However, at the more expensive ones charges will be reduced during the winter and charges for children and old-age pensioners will be limited to 1s. at all times. In addition, charges will be reduced or removed altogether at 10 monuments, and the price of the season ticket will remain at 15s.

Mr. Sharples

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why it has been considered necessary to double the charge for admission to the major monuments such as the Tower of London and Stonehenge?

Mr. Silkin

The hon. Gentleman played a very distinguished part in the display of our monuments during his period of office. I think that I shall carry him with me when I say that there are two considerations which one must take into account—first, that a reasonable price for admission should be charged, and second, that there should be sufficient funds to preserve and, one hopes, increase the standards of the ancient monuments. The difference between expenditure and receipts is so great that it must partially be met by an increase in charges.

Mr. Carter-Jones

Whilst appreciating the observations of my right hon. Friend, I must say that I feel that the increased charges will prove a burden to the family. It is all very well saying—

Mr. Speaker

Order. This is Question Time. The hon. Member must ask a question.

Mr. Carter-Jones

Is my right hon. friend aware that mothers and fathers who take their children along to these places will find that they have to pay a greatly increased amount? These are supposed to be for the public.

Mr. Silkin

I do not take quite as serious a view of this as my hon. Friend does. Indeed, we have endeavoured to preserve the low cost of admission for children. That is one of the basic facts. However, if I may put in a small commercial about the services of my Ministry with regard to ancient monuments, it families intend to visit a number of ancient monuments the season ticket is very reasonably priced at 15s.

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