§ 6. Mr. Denzil Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many letters he has received from individuals and organisations in Wales protesting against the Government's intention of imposing charges for admission to museums.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattOne, in addition to representations from the Council of the National Museums of Wales.
§ Mr. Denzil DaviesI thank the hon. Gentleman for that answer. Since it seems that the moneys which will accrue from these charges will be used not to improve facilities but rather to hand out tax reductions to rich taxpayers in the United Kingdom, and since the overwhelming majority of citizens of Wales are not in the category of rich taxpayers, could he urge his colleagues to exempt the whole of Wales from the imposition of these mean and petty charges?
§ Mr. Gibson-WattNo, Sir. Attention is being given to the needs of special categories such as children, students and regular visitors, and to safeguarding the educational functions of the museums and galleries. The particular circumstances of the National Museum of Wales are being taken into account in the present consultations.