HC Deb 22 February 1926 vol 192 cc33-4
81. Mr. H. WILLIAMS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, what is the nature of the operations now taking place in the bed of the lake in St. James's Park and what is the estimated cost of the work?

Captain DOUGLAS HACKING (for the FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS)

The lake has been emptied for cleaning away sediment, and examining and attending to the expansion joints in the concrete bottom. The total estimated cost of the work is £650.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is it a fact that, at the cost of £30,000 only a couple of years ago, a ferro-concrete bed was laid in the lake, and is it the case that the lake now leaks?

Captain HACKING

It is correct to say the bed has leaked, but it does not now leak, and arrangements are being made to see that it will not leak in the future.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

In the interests of humanitarianism, are the subtracted fish being cared for during this process?

Mr. MARSH

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether the country has to pay for inefficient work, or has the contract been carried out under guarantee?

Captain HACKING

The construction was suggested by the Office of Works, and not by any contractor.