HC Deb 10 February 1930 vol 235 cc30-3
68. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNE

asked the First Commissioner of Works the nature and extent of the alterations now being made or proposed to be made in the near future in Hyde Park; and what expenditure of public money is involved?

Mr. LANSBURY

The alterations consist of the provision of a bowling green, a putting green, and a pavilion on the old Exhibition ground, and the construction of a shelter for bathers near the Serpentine. The cost of the former is being met by a private donor, and that of the latter, estimated at £3,000, will be met as regards two-thirds by private donors and as regards the remaining one-third from public funds.

Mr. WARDLAW-MILNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable feeling against these proposals because of the cutting up of the park, and that there is also considerable feeling in connection with similar proposals in Regents Park?

Mr. LANSBURY

I am not aware of that fact, but I do know that the London Playing Fields Association waited upon me and asked that this work should be done and also that the National Playing Fields Association came forward later and offered a contribution of money for carrying out the work. I am not aware that any great feeling has been aroused in any part of London against these proposals.

Mr. WARDLAW-MILNE

Quite apart from the desirability of playing fields, with which everybody agrees, may I ask whether it is not desirable that the right hon. Gentleman should ascertain public opinion before he embarks on schemes of this kind as so many people may object?

Mr. LANSBURY

I am very sorry that hon. and right hon. Members in this House, if there are any, who have any objection to these proposals have not taken exception to them long ago, because on 4th November, in answer to two hon. Members, I made a full and complete statement on the question of the works which we proposed to carry out and for which we have received contributions.

Earl WINTERTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider giving proper notice and consulting this House before any further alterations are carried out, especially in view of the national character of Hyde Park? I am sure he would agree that a minority Government of all Governments should not seek to do something which is contrary to the wishes of the House.

Mr. LANSBURY

I do not agree with the Noble Lord at all. What has been done and what is proposed to be done in regard to these parks has been public property for months past. I have already informed the House that on 4th November, in answer to two questions, I made a detailed statement to the House. Therefore, the House has had ample opportunity of knowing the nature of the proposals.

Earl WINTERTON

The right hon. Gentleman has misunderstood my question. It is really an important matter, and I am not hostile. All I desire to ask him is whether before any further alterations are carried out he will take the view of the House.

Mr. LANSBURY

I must point out to the Noble Lord that it is not easy to take the opinion of the House on every proposal that a Minister may wish to carry out. These proposals will come up for discussion on the Supplementary Estimate, when the House will be able, if it desires, to discuss them in detail.

Mr. CARTER

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether it is not the case that the majority of the people in this particular district of Regent's Park are favourable to the proposals of the right hon. Gentleman?

Mr. BECKETT

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that the Government represents a considerable majority of London electors?

Lord E. PERCY

For the purposes of elucidation, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is correct in saying that all these proposals will come up on the Supplementary Estimate, seeing that certain proposals are being defrayed out of private funds?

Mr. LANSBURY

Yes, certainly. The Exchequer are paying part of the costs, and the House will be able to discuss them on the Supplementary Estimate.

Mr. GUINNESS

As the Supplementary Estimate will come up after the work has been done, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether by question or some other means he will take steps to let the House know in good time?

Mr. LANSBURY

Really, I am astonished at the right hon. Member. No question would have been raised in this House had I not asked hon. Friends of mine to put down questions on the subject. On any vital question, I should certainly ask someone to put down a question so that the House should know the details, but I cannot give a general undertaking such as is suggested by the right hon. Gentleman.