HC Deb 21 November 1927 vol 210 cc1414-5
71. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the Fist Commissioner of Works, whether he will consider reducing the charge for chairs in the royal parks from 2d. to its former figure of id., in view of the falling off of receipts and the number of chairs now left unoccupied?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Lieut.-Colonel Sir Vivian Henderson)

In accordance with a suggestion of the Public Accounts Committee, the existing contract is in part placed on a percentage basis. This agreement provides that 2d. should continue to be charged for the chairs, as being the lowest economic figure possible in view of present-day costs of collection. As the Office of Works shares in the proceeds, my Noble Friend would obviously have been prepared to reduce the charge to 1d. had he thought that increased revenue would result. The wet weather has naturally reduced receipts this summer, but I would remind my hon. Friend that there is free seating accommodation for at least 2,000 in Hyde Park alone.

Sir W. DAVISON

Has the Office of Works considered that many seaside resorts are charging a penny in the morning and a penny in the afternoon or some other fixed period with different colours for the different times?

Sir V. HENDERSON

I have no doubt this question was considered at the time the contract was made.

Colonel DAY

Would not more free seating accommodation in other parks add to the advantage of the public?

Sir V. HENDERSON

I will consider that question.