§ 77. Captain W. G. HALLasked the First Commissioner of Works the cost of constructing Rotten Row, Hyde Park; and the sum spent on its upkeep during the last financial year?
§ Mr. LANSBURYAccording to the records in my Department, Rotten Row was constructed in 1878 at a cost of about £7,800. The annual cost of maintaining the Row and the other riding tracks in Hyde Park may be put at £2,000.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there were great protests at the time Rotten Row was constructed that it would interfere with the amenities of the Park?
§ Mr. LANSBURYI was not then a Member of this House.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODI should like to ask whether the ladies and gentlemen who ride in Rotten Row pay for the privilege of doing so?
§ Mr. LANSBURYI do not think anyone pays except by taxation, and probably a good many people enjoy watching the riders in the Row.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODThis is essentially the privilege of the rich, and, if there were poor people—
§ Captain HALLWe do not object to the cost of Rotten Row; but does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is a complete answer to much of the criticism expressed on the other side of the House recently as to the activities in Hyde Park and elsewhere?
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUELIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there has been a riding track there since the time of William III?