HC Deb 28 February 1921 vol 138 cc1423-4
76. Sir H. CRAIK

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he can name a date when the buildings which have so long disfigured St. James's Park will be removed; when the paths shall be restored to the use of pedestrians and wheeled vehicles excluded; and when the large population living in narrow and confined streets in the neighbourhood shall regain their inheritance in this park as a means of health, of which they have so long been deprived?

Sir A. MOND

I regret that until the staffs in occupation of the buildings are materially reduced I shall not be in a position to give any date as to when the buildings in question will be removed and the paths restored. I am continually giving my careful consideration to this problem, as I am most anxious to restore these open spaces to their proper use. The hon. Member may, however, be interested to learn that about £120,000 per annum is being saved to the public in rent, rates and taxes by the retention of these buildings.

Sir H. CRAIK

Am I to understand that it is in order to save money so lavishly spent in other directions that the right hon. Gentleman is defending his exclusion of the public from the use of St. James's Park?

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the permanent population of these buildings?

Mr. KILEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking to this House that before he gives up any of these temporary buildings he will give up the business and residential premises in which various Departments are now being housed?

Sir A. MOND

My policy has been to surrender business and residential premises before any temporary buildings. My right hon. Friend certainly will not recommend the acquisition of premises at a high rent, as long as these premises are required, in order to liberate these open spaces? I should require notice of the question asked by the hon. Member for Acton (Sir H. Brittain).

Sir H. CRAIK

Is the right hon. Gentleman contemplating the saving of money by not surrendering parks to the use of which the public have been entitled from time immemorial?

Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS

May I ask if these buildings have been tested by the right hon. Gentleman's research office, and can we count on their falling down in ten years?

Sir A. MOND

I should not like to commit myself to any statement as to the length of life of these buildings, as they are only of a temporary nature.

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