§ DR. TANNER:I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works, by what authority the contractor at the kiosk in Kensington Gardens was permitted to make an arrangement with the Summer Club which reserved the best portion of the premises for the Summer Club?
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. AKERS-DOUGLAS,) Kent, St. Augustine'sIn answer to the hon. Member, I have to say that the contractor at the kiosk in Kensington gardens made a private arrangement 152 with the club as to the joint use of the kitchen. In sanctioning this arrangement I gave instructions that the club could have no exclusive right to any inclosure, and, further, that the public should be allowed the same facilities for the purchase of refreshments as members of the club. ["Hear, hear!"] A certain number of additional chairs and tables have been placed by the club under the trees; but, instead of diminishing the space allotted to the contractor, the accommodation has been increased. I have received complaints that some inconvenience has arisen, and in consequence I have made it clear that the public are to be allowed not only the free use of all chairs and tables, but, further, are to be served entirely irrespective of membership of any club. ["Hear, hear"!]
§ DR. TANNERasked whether it was a fact that a new gate which had been put up in Kensington Gardens was really with the object of giving increased facilities to the Summer Club?
§ MR. AKERS-DOUGLASNo new gate has been put up. The present fencing has existed in the same position for some time.