HC Deb 03 December 1930 vol 245 cc2223-4
58 and 60. Mr. DOUGLAS HACKING

asked the First Commissioner of Works, (1) if he will state the reasons for, and the cost of, emptying St. James's Park lake;

(2) how long it is since the lake in St. James's Park was last drained?

The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Lansbury)

It is necessary periodically to drain this shallow lake in order to remove mud, etc. The estimated cost of the work is £210. The lake was last drained in February, 1928.

Mr. HACKING

Is the right hon. Gentleman quite satisfied that one of the reasons for draining the lake is not that of the leakage, especially through the new expansion block?

Mr. LANSBURY

I have not any information on that point.

61. Mr. HACKING

asked the First Commissioner of Works how long it is since the Regent's Park lake was last drained?

Mr. LANSBURY

The main area of the lake was last drained in 1929. The arms extending north-east and south-east were drained in 1907 and 1908 respectively.

Mr. HACKING

Why is it that it is not necessary to drain Regent's Park lake for so many years, and yet it is necessary to drain the St. James's Park lake?

Mr. LANSBURY

There is more dirt in the one than in the other, I suppose.

Captain EDEN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the "Lido" is to be drained?

Mr. LANSBURY

The "Lido" is being drained all the time; it drains itself.