Memorandum from the Press Gallery (Parliamentary
Lobby)
We welcome any measures that increase the understanding
of, and access to, Parliament and would therefore be supportive
of the idea of a visitor centre.
As far as purpose is concerned, it seems to
us that there is something of a dilemma. There is a difference
between the parliament building itself and politics, politicians
and the political system. In the experience of those of us who
have shown visitors around the Palace, the buildings themselves
and their associations inspire fascination and awe, whilst their
history and the history of the development of parliament seems
to generate less interest. Knowledge of the parliamentary process
is virtually nonexistent. It also has to be said that recent opinion
polls indicate that currently politicians and the political system
are not held in particularly high esteem. Therefore, would the
proposed centre be primarily a showcase for the building and its
history or would it be primarily to inform and engage visitors
about the political system—or would it attempt to do both?
This obviously has a bearing on the target audience
and we are perhaps not the best placed to comment on how to attract
them. The target audience probably should be those whom we wish
to educate and engage about the importance of parliamentary democracy
and to whom we wish to demonstrate its relevance to their daily
lives. The easiest to attract will probably be those who want
to see the building itself.
Bearing in mind our remarks above, the facilities
described in your letter all seem to us to be appropriate. Presumably
they would include the sort of inter-active provision that attracts
school children's attention? On a more basic level, the provision
of adequate catering and toilet facilities seems key to the operation
of any successful visitor centre.
Such a facility could potentially provide a
valuable resource for those working in the Palace as well as visitors.
Presumably it would be open to all pass holders?
You ask what it should not be for. We assume
you do not see it simply as a tourist "trap" facility
although obviously there is considerable retail potential.
You ask for comments about the use of Abingdon
Green or the Victoria Tower Gardens as possible sites. From the
Press Gallery's point of view the problem with Abingdon Green
is its current extensive use as a broadcasting point, which presumably
would be lost if the centre were to be constructed here.
8 June 2006
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