MR. BAILLIE COOHRANEasked the First Commissioner of Works, If his attention has been called to the state of St. James's Park, which in the daytime is made the playground of all the dirty children and roughs, and at night is reported to be the scene of the greatest profligacy?
§ MR. GERARD NOELSir, in answer to the Question of my hon. Friend, I have to state that I have observed the condition of St. James's Park during the last few days; but it is only what occurs invariably at this period of the year. At this time the schools in the Metropolis have their holidays, and the consequence is, the parents of children turn them out into the Park from early in the morning to late at night; they breakfast, lunch, and dine there, and do everything but sleep in the Park; but I do not see how this can be avoided, and I would remind the hon. Member that St. James's Park is intended as much for the recreation of children as it is for their parents and grown-up persons. I have been several times into St. James's Park during the last few days, and I have seen nothing unseemly or disorderly in their conduct—nothing but what is generally observed when hundreds of children are congregated together. I was in communication last week with the Inspector of Police, and we have stationed four additional policemen in the Park during the holidays to maintain proper order. With regard to the latter part of my hon. Friend's Question, I can only say that no Report has been made either by the Superintendent or Inspector of Police to the effect that the Park at night is the "scene of the greatest profligacy."