HC Deb 05 August 1971 vol 822 cc439-40W
Mr. John Wells

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the estimated total cost to public funds of the Jewel Tower, Westminster, in the current year, including repairs, cleaning, heat, light, wages and any other special items; and what is the estimated profit on sales of souvenirs from its sales desk.

Mr. Amery

The estimated total cost for the current financial year is about £4,500, of which some £2,000 is for non-recurring works. Souvenirs are not sold at the Jewel Tower but are available at the Department's Information Centre in Parliament Square.

Mr. John Wells

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the number of visitors to the Jewel Tower, Westminster, for each month of the year; and whether he will take an immediate and precise census for the remainder of this tourist season.

Mr. Amery

The estimates immediately available cover the first six months of 1971 and are as follows:

January 1,170
February 1,180
March 2,900
April 1,500
May 1,550
June 2,400

I am not sure that it would be useful to arrange a special census so late in the tourist season, but if my hon. Friend can suggest the advantage to be derived, I will certainly consider the suggestion.