HC Deb 05 July 1934 vol 291 cc2061-2
43. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will place four garden benches in the small circular rose garden leading out of the Hylas garden of St. John's Lodge, Regent's Park, and two in the recesses in the gravelled alley leading from the same small garden?

The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)

Six seats have been placed in this garden, and I will take an early opportunity of seeing myself whether it is necessary or desirable to add any more.

44. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether, as a result of his decisions, he will, in order to afford the public undisturbed enjoyment on Sundays of the Botanical Gardens, Regent's Park, during the height of the summer, transfer next year the structures put up for theatrical performances to the open area of Regent's Park, or obtain permission for the promoters to use Crown property occupied by the Bedford College open spaces, and at the same time turf or bed out the Botanical Gardens areas now covered with cinders and brick chips, and with tennis courts not used on Sundays?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I am not prepared to disturb the arrangements made for theatrical performances in the Inner Circle Gardens, but the work of laying out the remainder of the grounds, a great deal of which has already been done, will be continued over a period of several years as funds permit. Consideration will also be given to the future of some of the tennis courts on the termination of the present contract for their use.

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

Is there any particular reason why these 3,000 seats should be appropriated, to the detriment of the public?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I am sure it is not at all to the detriment of the public that we should have an open air theatre in London, and this is one of the few places available, where the conformation of the ground coupled with the trees and shrubs in the background renders an open air theatre possible. I have constant evidence of the appreciation of the public for the open air theatre in Regent's Park, and of the great addition that it has been to the amenities of London.