HC Deb 14 April 1970 vol 799 cc1198-9
23. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works if he will consider providing a permanent exhibition at the Tower of London of costumes and furnishings relating to suitable periods of the Tower's history.

Mr. John Silkin

Very little is known about the original furnishings in the Tower and how they were arranged. Reproductions would have to be made and we might end up with something inaccurate.

Mr. Roberts

Would my right hon. Friend not agree that, while the House appreciates his considerable difficulties here, a touch of variety and spice would add to the exhibitions in the Tower?

Mr. Silkin

I would certainly accept what my hon. Friend says, provided that such variety and spice do not cause too much disruption. The difficulty is that we should be forced to store a number of important objects at present in the Tower. I will look into this.

Mr. Marten

On the question of costume, would the right hon. Gentleman take advice from his hon. Friend the Member for Pontypool (Mr. Abse)?