§ 22. Sir BURTON CHADWICKasked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division 1501 of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether, in view of the needs of the thickly-populated and poor district in the immediate vicinity, he will consider the possibility of opening to the public the western part of Kensington Gardens which lies between Palace Gardens and the Broad Walk; whether he is aware that it is at present tenanted only by sheep and is not used for any purpose connected with the transport force in the gardens; and whether, in view of these facts, he will make representations to the War Office on the subject?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe First Commissioner has been in communication with the War Department as to the feasibility of opening the gardens, or part of them, to the general public, but for military reasons it is not at present possible to do so. The First Commissioner has, however, been able to arrange for the children attending elementary schools under the London County Council to continue to play their organised games in part of the gardens. Meanwhile, I am fully alive to the importance of reopening the whole area at the earliest possible moment.