HC Deb 04 April 1935 vol 300 c527
51. Mr. THORNE

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will arrange that teas and refreshments may be served in the royal parks and open spaces as from 7th April; if not, what objections prevent this being done?

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

It is within the discretion of the refreshment contractors to reopen the restaurants at a date most suitable to themselves, provided that my Department agrees to the reasonableness of their proposals. The refreshment pavilion at Hampton Court is open all the year round and the remainder will reopen on the 17th April. I am afraid it will not be possible to alter these arrangements this year, but I shall be glad to give consideration to the matter in future years.

Mr. THORNE

Have Good Friday and Easter anything to do with the time when refreshments are supplied in the parks?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

No, the discretion is with the contractors as to what arrangements they make, and a good deal depends on the weather.

Mr. PALING

Have the contractors ever made an application for opening earlier and been refused?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Not that I know of.