HC Deb 12 July 1934 vol 292 cc527-8
44. Sir PARK GOFF

asked the First Commissioner of Works why the general public are still deprived of part of the Botanical Gardens, Regent's Park, by tennis courts used only by relatively few persons; and will he, without depriving the tennis players of their enjoyment, transfer the courts elsewhere to enable a much larger number of the general public to enjoy the gardens as a quiet retreat during the summer months?

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

I would refer my hon. Friend to the last portion of the reply given on the 5th July to a similar question by the hon. Member for North Newcastle-upon-Tyne (Sir N. G rattan-Doyle).

49. Sir P. GOFF

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in view of the dissatisfaction expressed about the Regent's Park inner circle gardens and the St. John's Lodge scheme, he will take steps to transfer these national possessions to the Marylebone municipal authorities under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1932?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I cannot agree that there is any widespread dissatisfaction with my management of these gardens, and I am unable to entertain my hon. and learned Friend's suggestion.

Sir P. GOFF

Would my right hon. Friend allow the Parks Committee of the London County Council to supervise some of the Inner Circle Gardens?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

No, certainly not. We are extremely proud of the Royal Parks as they have been maintained in the past, and not only are there no complaints of the way in Which they are managed, but usually there is considerable envy on the part of other authorities.

Mr. H. WILLIAMS

Would my right hon. Friend be kind enough to send a copy of his answer to the Home Secretary, who, upstairs this morning, thought that local government was better than national government?

Captain CUNNINGHAM-REID

Is it not a fact that residents in the neighbourhood are very well satisfied with the general administration of the Park?