HC Deb 03 November 1930 vol 244 cc477-8
83. Mr. FREEMAN

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he has any statement to make on the mixed bathing facilities provided in the Serpentine this year, and how many persons it is estimated took advantage of these privileges?

Mr. LANSBURY

The introduction of mixed bathing in the Serpentine has, during the first season, proved to be extremely popular. The number of persons who paid to use the enclosure from the 16th June—when it was opened—to the 28th September—when all-day bathing ceased—was 95,970. The largest number on any day was 3,355 on the 29th August. The records do not show how many of these were women. It is not practicable to keep any record of the number of men using the free enclosure. It may, however, be taken as considerably over 100,000 for the season.

Sir K. WOOD

Is this the greatest achievement of the Labour Government?

Mr. LANSBURY

It is certainly one of the most popular in London.

Major ROSS

Does the number include those who were drowned?

Mr. FREEMAN

Has the right hon. Gentleman had any corn plaints ns regards the water?

Mr. LANSBURY

No.