§ 61. Mr. NOEL BUXTONasked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether the edging of the Serpentine and St. James' water with concrete is done with a view to economy or to esthetic effect; and what is the purpose of the rail along the edge of these lakes?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN (Lord of the Treasury)Although certainly not æsthetic, the concrete is placed with a view to economy to prevent the margin being worn away by the action of the water. The rail in St. James' Park, along the edge of the water, is to prevent children falling into the water.
§ Mr. NOEL BUXTONAs private owners when they make an ornamental lake can afford a puddled bank which holds 1268 the water and is much prettier than a concrete edge, could not a public Department afford some money to add to the effect?
§ Mr. BENNI do not think that concrete is necessarily non-æsthetic if the grass is properly dealt with. If my hon. Friend will point out any places where the grass is defective, I will have them remedied.
§ 62. Mr. NOEL BUXTONasked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether the First Commissioner of Works will make it possible for boys of school age to bathe in the Serpentine during the school holidays at any hour of the day, and after the holidays at any hour after 4.30 p.m.?
§ Mr. BENNThe First Commissioner is prepared to extend the hours so that until the end of September boys may bathe from 5 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. as at present permitted.