HC Deb 09 June 1896 vol 41 cc719-20
DR. TANNER

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works, by what right has the Summer Club been allowed to monopolise the kiosk which has been erected on the borders of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens for dispensing light refreshments to its members?

THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. AKERS-DOUGLAS,) Kent, St. Augustine's

In reply to the hon. Member, I have to say that the Summer Club has not been permitted to monopolise the kiosk to which his Question refers. The arrangement made by the Summer Club is a private one between the lessee of the kiosk, who continues to hold the lease on the same terms, both as to the tariff and the use by the public, as hitherto. In assenting to the arrangement I made it clear that the club has no exclusive right to any enclosure or privileges, and the arrangement is subject to this understanding by all concerned.

DR. TANNER

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen a paragraph in yesterday's Daily Chronicle from which it appears that a well-known gentleman about town applied for a cup of tea and was refused because he was not a member of the Club?

MR. AKERS-DOUGLAS

I have seen the paragraph and I have made inquiries on the point.

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