HC Deb 22 June 1925 vol 185 cc1070-1
41. Colonel APPLIN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether his attention has been drawn to the unsightly condition of Hyde Park and the park of St. James, due to paper and other refuse thrown about by holiday makers; and if he will take steps to preserve the amenities of our public parks by issuing a Regulation on the subject?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

The First Commissioner is fully aware of the nuisance caused by the deposit of litter in the Royal Parks, on the collection of which heavy expenditure is continually being incurred. The Rules for the parks already forbid the committal of this nuisance, and it is proposed shortly to seek powers from Parliament enabling these Rules to be given, practically speaking, the effect of Regulations.

Colonel APPLIN

Would the hon. Gentleman consider the necessity for educating our school children not to throw paper about the streets, which I think is the crux of the matter?

Sir HENRY CRAIK

Would it not be perfectly easy to stop this selfish carelessness by having a few plain-clothes constables to detect the offenders, and summon them?

Mr. DUNCAN

You might get some in the House of Commons as well.

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I think the best method would be to embody the Rules in Regulations with, perhaps, statutory authority.

Mr. STEPHEN

Will the Minister apply the Rules to Members of this House?

Viscountess ASTOR

Will the hon. Gentleman also bring to the notice of Members that not only do they throw paper down, but waste a great deal of paper?

Mr. NEIL MACLEAN

Was not that seen at Ascot last week?