§ 78. Mr. PENNYasked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in view of the fact that he is unable to increase the number of free seats in the Royal Parks this year, and that no reduction in charge for private chairs in the parks can be made in the existing contract before the 1st April, 1925, he will approach the holders of the contract to see whether they will, as an act of grace, reduce the charge to 1d. from 12 to 2 p.m., so that it will apply to the lunch hour; and whether he will inform the House the figure obtained by his Department for the contract of providing seats in Kensington Gardens, St. James's, the Green, and Hyde Parks?
§ Mr. JOWETTI regret that on account of the considerable difficulties involved in varying the contract, I am unable to make any change in the charge for chairs in the Royal Parks at the present time. I understand that between the hours of 12 and 2 on weekdays the 500 free seats provided in Hyde Park are by no means fully occupied. A reduction to an all round penny charge would mean a loss of £4,000 per annum to the Exchequer. I am not prepared to make this sacrifice at present, but, as stated in my reply of the 23rd instant, the question will be carefully considered in consultation with the Treasury when the present contract expires. A sum of £11,500 per annum is being received under the licence for the letting of chairs in the whole of the Royal Parks.
§ Mr. PENNYIn view of the desire of a great number of people in all parts of the House for this popular penny movement, will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the contractor so that he will receive some Members of Parliament on this matter?
§ Mr. JOWETTThe contractor has been sounded as to whether he was willing to make the concession.
§ Mr. HOFFMANIs this a case of being penny wise and pound foolish?
§ Sir H. BRITTAINWhat profit per annum is made by the contractor out of these chairs?
§ Mr. JOWETTThe contractor has not informed me.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs it a fact that there is a popular penny movement?