§ 5. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will give an assurance that the full expense and damage of future pop festivals in the Royal Parks will be met by the organisers and not become a charge to public funds.
§ Mr. ChannonMusical entertainments of all kinds in the Royal Parks are provided at public expense. There has been little damage, and my hon. Friend will know that the cost of clearing up after the recent pop festival was small.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIs not this an activity which should be financed by those responsible? Should not the public pay for their enjoyment? Will my hon. Friend consider the proposition that the organisers of such events should make a deposit in case of damage which may become a charge to public funds?
§ Mr. ChannonI shall consider what my hon. Friend has said, but the cost of clearing up was very small. In the case of military and brass band concerts in the Royal Parks, the approximate cost of fees to performers was £11,000. I shall bear in mind any views that my hon. Friend or anyone else puts to me.
§ Mr. Denis HowellWe on this side oppose these charges. Will the hon. Gentleman say how he conceives it possible to charge for admission to museums while taking a contrary view on this question?
§ Mr. ChannonI cannot understand how the hon. Gentleman can oppose these charges. It was his Government which imposed them.