HC Deb 24 November 1927 vol 210 cc2039-40
48. Mr. DALTON

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the intention of the trustees of the Crystal Palace to permit the use of the open space confided to their charge for the purposes of greyhound racing; and, if so, whether he will introduce legislation to prevent such use of open spaces constituted as trust property?

49. Major HILLS

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that attempts are being made to turn a portion of the Crystal Palace grounds into a greyhound racing track, and that the local authorities and private donors who contributed to its purchase strongly object to this; and whether he will introduce legislation to prevent the trustees of open spaces from entering into such arrangements?

50. Mr. W. M. ADAMSON

asked the Minister of Health whether be has had representations forwarded to his Department in opposition to a greyhound racing track being established at the Crystal Palace; and whether, in view of the Palace grounds having had support from rating by local authorities with the sanction of Parliament, he will take powers to prevent such use of open spaces?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)

My right hon. Friend has received certain representations on this subject. He has not authority to intervene in the matter, and does not think that it would be proper for him to consider legislation restricting the discretion in such matters vested in the trustees by the Acts of Parliament.

Mr. DALTON

Will the Minister continue to keep a keen watch upon this proposal which tends to a very great abuse of a recreation ground intended for the public, and, in the event of a continuance of these threats, will he reconsider the statement that he is not prepared to introduce legislation?

Sir K. WOOD

I think that the answer to the question is this. On the board of trustees of the Crystal Palace, no fewer than 23 are representatives of local authorities, and I think it must remain with them to protect whatever public interests there may be in the matter.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALL

Is it not incorrect, as stated in the last part of Question 50, that the Crystal Palace receives any advantage from local rates, and, on the other hand, is it not a fact that during the past two years it has contributed £30,000 to the relief of local rates, and is my hon. Friend further aware that this matter has not been before the trustees up to the present time, and that they have not come to a decision to allow greyhound racing there at all?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is giving information to the Minister.