HC Deb 10 June 1913 vol 53 cc1422-3
40. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture on whose initiative various leases in Regent's Park have been renewed or brought up for renewal before the old leases expired; with what persons negotiatings are pending for the renewal of old leases; and on what, grounds the renewal of these leases is regarded as imperative before 1st July, or as in any other way necessary before the lapse of the existing leases?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The leases have been renewed or brought up for renewal on the initiative of the persons who were in occupation, and desired to have a continued occupation, of the premises. Negotiations are pending with Mrs. H. N. Salomon, who occupies St. Katharine's Lodge, and the Marquess of Bute in respect of St. John's Lodge, and it will be in the interest of the Land Revenues that the leases should be renewed before the lapse of the existing leases.

41. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that in the boroughs, of Marylebone and St. Pancras, bordering the park, there is a dearth of playing fields for children; and whether he will undertake that there will be no further enlargement of the portions of Regent's Park reserved for the exclusive use of the wealthier classes?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am not aware whether or not there is a dearth of playing fields for the boroughs of Marylebone and St. Pancras. There never has been and cannot now be, any enlargement by the Commissioners of Woods of the portions of Regent's Park reserved for the exclusive use of the wealthier classes. On the contrary, land that was reserved has been given up by those Commissioners to be thrown open for public use on several occasions when opportunity occurred, and it was found practicable to do so without seriously affecting the revenue.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Are any facilities given for the poorer classes using the grounds which are said to be devoted to the purposes of the Royal Botanic Society?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I cannot reply to that without notice. I have not gone through the programme of fêtes which has been referred to by my hon. Friend.