§ 58 and 60. Mr. DOUGLAS HACKINGasked 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. HACKINGIs 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. LANSBURYI have not any information on that point.
§ 61. Mr. HACKINGasked the First Commissioner of Works how long it is since the Regent's Park lake was last drained?
§ Mr. LANSBURYThe main area of the lake was last drained in 1929. The 2224 arms extending north-east and south-east were drained in 1907 and 1908 respectively.
§ Mr. HACKINGWhy 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. LANSBURYThere is more dirt in the one than in the other, I suppose.
§ Captain EDENCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the "Lido" is to be drained?
§ Mr. LANSBURYThe "Lido" is being drained all the time; it drains itself.