§ MR. BAUMANN (Camberwell, Peckham)asked the First Commissioner of Works, Whether he is aware that the south bank of the Serpentine is crowded with naked men and boys bathing at a time when Hyde Park is full of ladies; whether there is any regulation requiring the bathers to wear costumes; and, whether he will take steps to compel the observance of decency?
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER (Mr. PLUNKET) (Dublin University)Bathing is allowed in Hyde Park under the Regulations made in pursuance of the Park Regulations Act (1872), only from the south shore of the Serpentine, and 445 only at the following hours:—In the morning from 5 to 8, and in the evening, at this time of the year, from 7.30 to 8.30. Bathers may not undress or land anywhere except within the space set apart for that purpose, and must observe the directions of the Park-keepers. I do not think that it would be possible to enforce any Regulations requiring bathers to wear costumes, considering the thousands who bathe there—amounting to more than 250,000 annually. Of course, if any specified charges of indecency are made they will be attended to; but I have not received any such complaints.