§ 60. Sir WILLIAM DAVIDSONasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that no less than 15 temporary refuges have been erected in Hyde Park between Albert Gate and Victoria Gate, to the great disfigurement of the rural amenities of the park; by whose instructions have these temporary refuges been erected, and with what object; whether it is proposed to erect permanent refuges in due course in their place; and, if so, what will be the capital cost involved and the annual cost for lighting and maintenance?
§ Mr. JOWETTThe temporary refuges in question have been placed in position by my Department on the advice of the Commissioner of Police in consequence of the increase in the traffic in the park, and in order to protect pedestrians. The total number of temporary refuges to be erected is 23. Pending experience being gained as to the number and positions of the 34 permanent refuges required to replace the temporary refuges, an estimate of the total cost of the permanent refuges which must ultimately be erected cannot be given. The approximate cost per refuge would be from £120 to £130.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIn view of the great cost involved as well as the disfigurement of Hyde Park and the destruction of its amenities, would it not be very much better once again to exclude taxi-cabs from going through the park?
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUELIs the hon. Gentleman aware that unless he places policemen right inside the park, near the Marble Arch, in addition to having these refuges, a large number of people will be killed there?
§ Mr. BECKERCould foghorns be attached to these land lighthouses?
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that these temporary refuges are not used by nurses and children at all, and will he go to the park and see for himself how these refuges are avoided by young people, nurses and children, and are quite useless?
§ Mr. REMERWill the hon. Gentleman take steps to see that more of these refuges are put down, in order to provide for the safety of the people?
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIf these refuges are so useful, why not make them permanent, instead of temporary?
§ 61. Captain DONALD HOWARDasked the First Commissioner of Works for what purpose the green lighthouses in the Mall opposite Buckingham Palace have been erected; why they are fitted with green lights that flicker by day and by night; and what was the cost of erecting these refuges?
§ Mr. JOWETTThe refuges in question, including the lights, are of an experimental character, and my Department is only bearing the cost of the bases, about £20. Permanent refuges of some sort will be necessary at or near these points.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEWould it not be more consistent with the traditions and aesthetics of the Government to erect red lights?
§ Sir W. DAVISONWill the right hon. Gentleman consult the Commission on Art, which was recently appointed by the Government, before any permanent disfigurement takes place either at Buckingham Palace or Hyde Park.