§ 3.5 p.m.
§ Lord REIGATEMy 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 have now completed the review of the 2½p admission charge for children to the Whitehall Banqueting Hall announced on 4th July 1974, and of other admission charges for children announced on 12th November 1974.
§ The PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE, DEPARTMENT of the ENVIRONMENT (Baroness Birk)My Lords, the question of charges for the admission of children to historic buildings and monuments has now been reviewed. School parties are already admitted free and there is no evidence that the charges, which are half-price or less, deter parents from bringing their children. Accordingly, for reasons of both safety and revenue, no change is proposed.
§ Lord REIGATEMy Lords, apart from the £29 per annum which is derived from charging children for entrance to the Banqueting Hall, could the noble Baroness say how much more is derived from this source?
§ Baroness BIRKMy Lords, the latest figures which I have for the resources derived from the entry charges of children visiting monuments exceeded £100,000 in 1973. May I take the opportunity to add that we have an arrangement with the Treasury whereby we obtain extra money for the upkeep of our monuments and historic buildings in relationship to the amount of money that we take. Therefore we have to continue these charges.
§ Lord SEGALMy Lords, can my noble friend explain why the Banqueting Hall still has to be closed on Mondays?
§ Baroness BIRKMy Lords, I cannot answer the noble Lord's question without notice. I imagine it is because there is only one custodian, and perhaps it is her day off. However, I will let my noble friend know the answer to his question.