§ 39. Sir CYRIL COBBasked the First Commissioner of Works the number of weeks annually during which plays are actually performed in the area assigned to the open-air theatre in the Queen Mary Garden, Regent's Park, and also the number of weeks during which the general public is given free access to this same area as a garden retreat with seating accommodation?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)Plays were performed at the open-air theatre during 15 weeks last summer, and band performances were given on Sunday evenings during the season. Apart from these times, the area is not open to the public, as it is not suitable for use as a garden retreat.
§ 40. Sir C. COBBasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that there is a small open planted area in the Nursery Lodge in Regent's Park, not covered by forcing-houses, which can be spared for incorporation with the Queen Mary Garden; and will he put on this spot a children's shower-shelter?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI presume the hon. Member refers to the small area leased to the University of London for botanical experiments. These experiments were being conducted before we took over the gardens at the conclusion of the lease of the Royal Botanic Society, and I am not prepared to close them down as suggested by the hon. Member.
§ 41. Sir C. COBBasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will provide in a suitable position one more 2409 public convenience, or possibly two, in Regent's Park, in addition to those already in Queen Mary Garden, and near the boat-house bridge at the end of the lake?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI would point out that there are already public conveniences at eight different points in Regent's Park and not at two as stated in the hon. Member's question. I am not at present disposed to add to them.