HC Deb 10 July 1919 vol 117 cc2063-4W
Mr. GILBERT

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture the days and hours that Kew Gardens are open to the public free and for payment; what is the charge to the public; whether, in view of the small number using the gardens on paying days, he will increase the number of hours of free admission; if the gardens are open on Sunday and during what hours and on what conditions; and if any restrictions are placed upon photographers, and what they are?

Mr. PRATT

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, are open to the public on every day in the year except Christmas Day. The hours during which the gardens are open are:

  • From 15th May to 15th October, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., or one hour before sunset, whichever is earlier.
  • From 16th October to 14th May, noon to 8 p.m., or one hour before sunset, whichever is earlier.
  • Sundays and Good Friday, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., or one hour before sunset, whichever is earlier.
  • The expression "one hour before sunset" applies only to the period of official summer time. During the remaining period of the year the gardens are closed at 8 p.m. or sunset, whichever is earlier. The charges for admission are:
  • On Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sunday and Good Friday, 1d.
  • On Tuesdays and Fridays, except Good Friday (students' days), 6d.
  • There are no free days. [The proposal to have free days was negatived by the-Treasury on financial grounds.]
A charge of 3d. is made for the admission of photographic apparatus. The restrictions placed on photographers will be found in paragraphs 2, 6, 7, and 8 of a printed leaflet, a copy of which has been sent to my hon. Friend.