HC Deb 01 April 1971 vol 814 cc1658-9
14. Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the number of individuals who have protested against, or criticised, the proposals to establish admission charges at art galleries and museums; whether this be by letter or by signature only; and what replies she has sent.

Mr. van Straubenzee

Up to Monday. 22nd March, 358 letters protesting against, or criticising, the introduction of admission charges for museums and galleries had been received in the Department of Education and Science. These included 63 letters on behalf of various organisations and 22 petitions bearing 1,842 signatures. Individual replies have been, or are being, sent to all letters.

Mr. Hardy

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply, but would he not agree that, in view of the opposition which has arisen to these charges and the difficulties which such a scheme inevitably will cause, this matter should be reconsidered? Does he not agree that some of the arguments advanced in support of the imposition of admission charges could also be used to justify charges for such events as the Trooping of the Colour, the Changing of the Guard and the State Opening of Parliament?

Mr. van Straubenzee

We have on other occasions debated the merits of this suggestion. When I saw the answer to this Question, I thought how remarkable it was that only 1,800 signatures had been obtained on this subject, when one considers that some 12 million people each year visit the institutions concerned.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Does my hon. Friend not agree that the mere fact that several thousand people have paid admission charges to see the costumes used in the B.B.C. television series on Henry VIII proves that his right hon. Friend is on the right lines with this proposal?

Mr. van Straubenzee

Yes, there are widespread inconsistencies, and indeed on some occasions charges are levied within some of the institutions affected.

Mr. Faulds

Will the hon. Gentleman not be honest and admit that he realises as well as the rest of us that the whole of the artistic and cultural establishment of this country is opposed to these charges? Will he not, even now, reconsider the possibility of revoking this ridiculous proposal?

Mr. van Straubenzee

I certainly do not accept the hon. Gentleman as the spokesman for all the cultural interests he mentions.

Mr. Faulds

More so than you.

Mr. van Straubenzee

It certainly can be said that there is widespread support for the proposals which have been made.