§ MR. O. V. MORGAN (Battersea)asked the hon. Member for the Knutsford Division of Cheshire, with reference to the promise given on March 22, that measures would be immediately taken to cleanse the lake in Battersea Park, Whether he can now state when the work will be commenced; whether he is aware of the unsatisfactory condition of the drinking fountains in Battersea Park; and, whether the necessary steps to insure a supply of pure drinking water will at once be undertaken?
§ MR. WEBSTER (St. Pancras, E.)In the absence of the hon. Member for the Knutsford Division of Cheshire (Mr. Tatton Egerton), I have been asked to 1386 answer this Question. I have to state that since my hon. Friend the Member for the Knutsford Division stated on March 22 last that measures would be immediately taken to cleanse the lake at Battersea Park, difficulties have occurred which have prevented the work being proceeded with. The summer months have now begun; and as it would not be beneficial to the public health that the lake should be drained and cleansed during the warm weather, it is deemed expedient that the works should not be carried out until the end of the summer. As regards the drinking fountains, I am aware that their condition is at present not satisfactory; and I am happy to be able to inform the hon. Member that a tender has been accepted, and that a contract will shortly be signed for works which will enable a supply of pure drinking water to be provided for the fountains. I may add that the Park has only just been handed over to the Board, being a Park which the Act of last Session placed under their jurisdiction.