§ MR. BIGWOOD (Middlesex, Brentford)I beg to ask the President of the Local Governmet Board whether he is aware that the Brentford District Council, having expended a large sum of money in building swimming baths, are unable to let these buildings for private use; and whether he could by order grant the necessary relief, or whether it is absolutely imperative to obtain special legislation to effect the desired purpose?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARDIt appears from correspondence which has taken place between the Local Government Board and the Brentford District Council that the latter are desirous of letting their swimming bath during the winter for occasional concerts and balls, and I presume that it is to this that my 1112 honourable Friend refers. Section 5 of the Baths and Washhouses Act, 1878, however, expressly prohibits the use for music or dancing of a swimming bath when closed, and the Local Government Board have no power to remove this restriction. Legislation would be necessary for this purpose.