HC Deb 20 June 1927 vol 207 cc1475-7
30. Sir FRANK MEYER

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is prepared to consider making it a condition of any new lease to the Royal Zoological Society that they shall open their grounds for the benefit of the public on Sundays?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Guinness)

The suggestion made by my hon. Friend has been considered on several occasions but has not been found practicable.

Sir F. MEYER

Is it not a fact that a great many people are only able to visit the gardens on Sunday and that foreigners and other visitors to London are prevented from inspecting this public institution by this Regulation; and will the right hon. Gentleman represent to the Fellows of the Society that they should have some privilege other than the exclusive right of seeing the grounds on Sunday?

Mr. GUINNESS

There would be enormous difficulty in this proposal. The Sunday opening is the only valuable privilege which Fellows enjoy, and its withdrawal would inevitably mean a great shrinkage in revenue. At the same time, apart from the loss of revenue entailed this proposal would involve the society in heavy additional expenditure, because admission, under the law, would have to be free, and the society would have no resources out of which to find the expense of providing a staff of attendants to deal with the great crowds to be expected on such occasions.

Sir HARRY BRITTAIN

Is it not fair to the society to realise that they have made the finest Zoo in the world and that they are entitled to some privileges?

33. Sir F. MEYER

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the length and date of the termination of the lease under which the Royal Zoological Society holds its grounds in Regent's Park; whether any conditions as to the opening of the grounds to the public are attached to the lease; and, if so, what are these conditions?

Mr. GUINNESS

The tenancy under which the Royal Zoological Society holds its grounds in Regent's Park is of very old standing and is not for any fixed period. No conditions as to the opening of the grounds to the public are attached to the tenancy.

Sir F. MEYER

Is the rent an economic rent or considerably below the value of the land?

Mr. GUINNESS

I should require notice of that question. There have been negotiations with the society from time to time and to any suggestion that we should terminate the arrangement, I would say that in my opinion any departure from the agreement on the strength of which costly buildings have been erected would be a breach of faith with the society.