HC Deb 09 March 1925 vol 181 cc932-3
78. Mr. PENNY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether, seeing that the existing contract. for providing seats in Kensington Gardens, St. James's, the Green, and Hyde Parks expires on the 1st April of this year, he will consider the advisability, when calling for fresh tenders, of making it a condition that all seats so provided shall be free between the hours of 12.30 p.m. and 2 p.m., excepting on Saturdays and Sundays?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

The existing contract for letting chairs in the royal parks does not expire until the 31st March, 1927. The matter does not therefore arise at present, but the First Commissioner is advised that ample free seate are available on week-days during the hours mentioned.

Mr. J. JONES

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the enormous profit made by the contractor, and will he protect the public against the exploitation of the people in this way?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I have not got the particulars of the actual profit made.

Mr. JONES

They have appeared in the Press, and they are 10 times more than is paid for the rent.