§ LORD STRABOLGIMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will reconsider their decision to close Lancaster House to the public.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT (LORD SANDFORD)My Lords, no decision to close Lancaster House has been made. Staff shortages made it difficult to open Lancaster House to the public this summer but arrangements are being made to ensure that it will reopen in the normal way next season.
§ LORD STRABOLGIMy Lords, while welcoming that reply, may I ask the Government whether they will make arrangements for students to see the paintings there during the winter, on a special application?
§ LORD SANDFORDYes, my Lords; that certainly can be done. In fact, we have had one such request. I will give the noble Lord the address to which application should be made.
VISCOUNT ST. DAVIDSMy Lords, can the noble Lord tell us how, in a time of comparatively high unemployment, there continue to be staff shortages?
§ LORD SANDFORDMy Lords, the assignment is a particularly difficult one to meet. It is for weekends only, during the summer only; and for that particular job it is quite difficult to recruit.
§ LORD ROBBINSMy Lords, would the noble Lord be in a position to let the 1534 leading centres where art history is studied know of the possibility of special arrangements?
§ LORD SANDFORDYes, my Lords. I will have the address put in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§
Following is the address referred to:
The Director, Home Estate Management, Property Services Agency, St. Christopher House, Southwark Street, London, S.E.I.