HC Deb 25 July 1963 vol 681 cc216-7W
60. Mr. G. Johnson Smith

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the inconvenience caused to the public by the decision to close the national museums and other similar institutions on Sunday last; and if he will make a statement on the action he is taking.

61. Dr. Stross

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he proposes to take in order to ensure that there will be access by the public to the Tower of London and the National Art Institutions on Sunday next.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I greatly regret the wholly unnecessary inconvenience caused. The closures were the result of the Civil Service Union's instructions to its members to restrict Sunday working. These instructions are contrary to procedures, agreed only four months ago and reported to Parliament, for settling disputes on the pay of the grades concerned. These include arbitration which has always been open to the union and will be freely available to it, if the union wants it, as soon as it ceases to use duress. The union has been so informed on a number of occasions, the latest being 23rd July.