HC Deb 10 June 1971 vol 818 cc1220-1
27. Mr. St. John-Stevas

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will make a further statement on museum charges.

Mrs. Thatcher

The Government's proposals for admission charges for the national museums and galleries are set out in Command 4676 and Trustees are now being consulted about the detailed arrangements for individual institutions. My noble Friend has undertaken to consider whether some concession can be granted to retirement pensioners.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

While welcoming the exemptions for students and other classes of people and also the very reasonable provision for a season ticket for entry to galleries, may I ask whether my right hon. Friend is aware of the very deep concern about retirement pensioners whom she mentioned? While I am encouraged by her reference to the problem, may I ask whether she is aware that, on both sides of the House, there would be welcome for a complete exemption from all charges for all retirement and old-age pensioners?

Mrs. Thatcher

I am very much aware of this. A number of my hon. Friends and other hon. Members have raised the question with me and I will speak to my noble Friend about the feelings in this House on the subject.

Mr. Faulds

While endorsing what the hon. Member for the opposition on the Government side said, may I ask the right hon. Lady whether she is aware, in view of Lord Eccles' statement in another place——

Mr. St. John-Stevas

I represent Chelmsford.

Mr. Faulds

Unfortunately, they are probably aware of it. In view of Lord Eccles' statement in another place on 26th May, that the Government do not intend to impose charges on any museum, will the right hon. Lady now confirm that the trustees of any art gallery or museum who do not wish to impose charges are now free not to do so?

Mrs. Thatcher

My recollection was that in that debate my noble Friend said he was confident that he could reach agreement with the trustees.

Mr. Faulds

That is not what he said.

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