§ 21. Captain CUNNINGHAM REIDasked the First Commissioner of Works if there are any insuperable objections to removing the railings surrounding Hyde Park; and whether he will consider such removal to enable the public to enjoy the amenities of open boulevards such as are appreciated in other countries?
§ Mr. WOMERSLEY (Lord of the Treasury)I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend is anxious that no railings should be retained in places where they are not essential, but those round Hyde Park are necessary for the purpose of closing the park at night time, and in order to enable the park to be used as a distributing centre on occasions of national emergency, as was done during the General Strike in 1926.
§ Captain CUNNINGHAM-REIDCan this question be reconsidered from the point of view of relieving the very serious traffic congestion in Park Lane, Hyde Park Corner, and Knightsbridge?
§ Mr. WOMERSLEYThis suggestion has been considered and re-considered from time to time, and the Leader of the Opposition, when he was First Commissioner of Works, came to the same conclusion as my right hon. Friend the present First Commissioner as regards the closing at night.