§ 27. Rear-Admiral Sir MURRAY SUETERasked the Minister of Agriculture the rough approximate acreage occupied by buildings, and unbuilt-upon areas, taken in from Regent's Park for the purposes of the Bedford College premises?
§ Mr. ELLIOTNo area was taken in from Regent's Park for the purposes of Bedford College. The area now occupied by the college buildings and grounds, in all about 10 acres, together with an additional area of about 1½ acres which was added to the Park when the letting to Bedford College was effected, was previously occupied by the Crown leasehold house and grounds known as South Villa and has never formed part of Regent's Park.
§ 37. Sir M. SUETER (for Lieut.-Colonel SANDEMAN ALLEN)asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is 1449 aware that the vistas at the end and side of the main pathway of the old Botanical Gardens in Regent's Park are spoilt by enclosures used as tennis courts; and will he arrange to have the tennis courts transferred to the archery garden in order that the smaller number of tennis players may not prevent the general public enjoying, as gardens, the Botanical Gardens recently added to Regent's Park?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)On the termination of the present contract for the use of these courts, which were there before the old Botanical Gardens were handed over to the charge of the Office of Works, consideration will be given to the question of improving this part of the gardens, but the cost of laying down new courts in the archery grounds would probably be prohibitive.
§ Captain CUNNINGHAM-REIDIs it not a fact that tennis courts form part of the amenities of most large gardens?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREYes, and there will be a considerable number of courts both in the Botanic Gardens and nearby. We have a large number of courts now; in fact, rather more than are taken.
§ 38. Sir M. SUETER (for Lieut.-Colonel SANDEMAN ALLEN)asked the First Commissioner of Works whether it is proposed to leave in the present shabby state those parts of the Botanical Gardens in Regent's Park now covered with brick dust or asphalt in and around wired-in tennis courts, or whether he proposes to restore those areas for the enjoyment of the-public as turfed gardens planted with trees, shrubs, and flowers?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREIt is certainly my intention that the whole of the area which formed the Royal Botanical Gardens shall be suitably laid out as funds permit. Already a great deal of work has been done during the last three years, including the formation of the new rose garden and the work in connection with the rockery, the ornamental lake, and the mound. It is my intention to carry out the necessary programme of improvements over a period of several years.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENWill my right hon. Friend be charging high prices for the seats?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe same as everywhere in the Royal parks.