§ VISCOUNT MONSELLasked Her Majesty's Government:
Under what authority the Ministry of Works has taken land in St. James's Park for building an extension to the Cake House, whether the plans for this erection were submitted to any independent body; and whether if, as it appears, it is the intention of turning the main path into a public eating place and to advertise and sell proprietary brands of confectionery, the Minister will prohibit those sweets which entail the maximum of litter.
EARL ST. ALDWYNThe small extension to the Cake House in St. James's Park has been provided by my right honourable friend the Minister of Works under his statutory powers for managing the Royal Parks and in fulfilment of his responsibility for providing amenities for the public in the Parks. There was no consultation with any independent body for this minor work.
The main purpose of the work was to improve the kitchen and food-storage facilities, and it has not resulted in any appreciable increase in the range of goods and services offered. The number of chairs and tables provided on the main path for the consumption of refreshments has not been increased.
My right honourable friend considers that it is reasonable to supply a selection of popular proprietary brands of confectionery, which are wrapped for hygienic reasons.
My right honourable friend does all he can to enforce the Parks Regulation, under which the depositing of litter is an offence, and encourages tidiness by providing plenty of litter baskets.
House adjourned at five minutes past eight o'clock.