§ 19. Mr. BURNETTasked the First Commissioner of Works whether, as it is now unnecessary to let the old Botanical Gardens area in Regent's Park to pay the upkeep of the Queen Mary Garden, he will, on the expiry of contracts, forbid this garden being prepared, used, and reconditioned all through the hottest weeks of June and July for private parties, fairs, and fetes in which the lawns are covered with booths which injure the grass and gravel paths and make the garden untidy, disturbing the general public and depriving it of free access to the garden?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)Queen Mary's Gardens are used, not for two months as stated by my hon. Friend, but for two days only, for the Theatrical Garden Party and the Post Office Orphanage fetes. The rose garden itself remains open to the public. For the rest, I can only refer the hon. Member to my full answer to him on 1st July.
§ Sir ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUELHas my right hon. Friend visited the Gardens in the past week? Did he see them yesterday and find two lawns covered with dismantled booths and 15 empty bottles and crates, spread over the lawns? Did he see men working yesterday to clear the paper and litter, which made the place look like a costermonger's Bank Holiday fete?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREAs I have explained, for many years past these two fetes have been held at that place, and when I took over the Gardens I felt that I could not interfere with such a long user. I gave an undertaking that no other fetes would be allowed. I have visited the Gardens recently and have made efforts to ensure that us these fetes are held on a Saturday there will be a special gang employed on the Sunday to clear up the inevitable mess, and I am told that this morning the Gardens are admirably clear.