Mr. CATHCART WASONasked the Prime Minister if it has been brought to his knowledge that the First Commissioner of Works stated that he would welcome any discussion in the Rouse with reference to the proposed road and bridge through St. James's Park; and if he will state when opportunity will be given for such discussion?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI understand that no definite proposal has yet been formulated in regard to the road and bridge in question; certainly no such proposal has been brought to the notice of His Majesty's Government. There is not, therefore, at this moment, anything concrete to be discussed. But it may allay the very natural anxiety which has been aroused if I say at once that in no circumstances will His Majesty's Government give their assent to any scheme which will impair or interfere with the present natural beauties of St. James's Park.
§ Mr. CHARLES CRAIGWho are going to be the judges of what would impair the beauty of St. James's Park.
§ The PRIME MINISTERHis Majesty's Government in the first instance.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANasked the hon. Member for Southampton, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if he will state what is the nature of the works recently carried out on the St. James's Park suspension bridge; and what the cost has been?
Mr. DUDLEY WARD (The Treasurer of the Household)The works recently carried out were repairs of the most necessary kind only, renewals of worn-out bolts, of flooring, girders, and painting, at a cost of about £600.
Mr. CATHCART WASONIs the hon. Member aware that the Prime Minister said the Government would not consent to do anything to destroy the beauty of the Park. He did not say whether the House would be given an opportunity of expressing its opinion upon the matter.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI will answer that question. If any such proposal is made, unless it is vetoed by the Government, certainly the House will have an opportunity of discussing it.