§ 65 and 87. Sir CYRIL COBBasked (1) the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether any pledge was ever given to Parliament by him or by any of his predecessors that the strip of garden enclosure, extending from York Terrace to Hanover Terrace, round the Outer Circle of Regent's Park, and now leased to key holders up to 5th July, 1922, should after that date be incorporated in the park and open to the public; if so, when that pledge was given; what was the nature of the pledge; if not, whether there is any reason why arrangements should not now be made, by lease or otherwise, for the reservation of these subscription gardens for the keyholders as heretofore;
(2) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that it is proposed, after 5th July, 1922, to incorporate in the park the subscription garden enclosure extending from York Terrace to Hanover Terrace, round the Outer Circle of Regent's Park; whether a revenue is derived from the subscribers to these gardens sufficient to cover the cost of their upkeep; and, if so, whether he will withhold his consent from any proposal which involves relinquishing such revenue?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am not aware that any specific pledge was ever asked for by 42 Parliament or given in respect of these strips of garden, though the policy was clearly indicated on 20th May, 1914, and, indeed, represents the general and consistent attitude of the Office of Works. Wherever circumstances permit, such enclosures are thrown open to public use and enjoyment. In this case Treasury assent has been given to a well recognised improvement, but I may add that the revenue from the key licences, though meeting the cost of upkeep, was so small as to make it quite impossible to do justice to this stretch of park land. The First Commissioner regrets any inconvenience which may be caused to keyholders, though he has explained that in his judgment the amenities of houses overlooking these strips of land will not be impaired.