§ 37. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Minister of Pensions, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, what progress has been made with regard to the removal of the dangerous low iron railings bordering certain of the paths in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens; and whether he is aware that further accidents have occurred since his attention was drawn to the dangerous character of these railings?
Mr. HUDSON (for the First Commissioner of Works)My Noble Friend has himself inspected these railings in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens and, while he agrees with the principle of removing railings when this can be done without detriment to the turf, experience has shown that in some places their removal results in entire destruction of the surrounding grass by wear and the forming of unsightly bare tracks. He has decided to remove a further long stretch of low railing near the Round Pond. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Sir W. DAVISONWhile I am obliged to my hon. Friend for that statement, I hope that he will take into consideration the many hundreds of yards of railings all through Kensington Gardens which are still there, that these accidents are daily occurring, and that really they serve no useful purpose, as in Green Park and also in Hyde Park where they have been removed the grass verges to the paths are in very good condition?
§ 38. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Minister of Pensions, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, what is the total annual cost of bulbs and flowers in Regent's Park and Hyde Park, respectively?
Mr. HUDSONThe figures are £750 and £600 respectively so far as purchases are concerned. The bulk of the flowers are, however, propagated in the park nurseries and green-houses for the various parks and gardens and no separate figures of cost are available.
§ Sir W. DAVISONWill my hon. Friend say why this preference is shown to Regent's Park as compared with Hyde Park; and will he again take into consideration the desirability of a few summer flowers in the railed enclosures in Hyde Park, which are a mere fraction of the large area devoted to bulbs?
§ Mr. GEORGE GRIFFITHSSeeing that all the country is contributing to Hyde Park and Regent's Park, will the hon. Gentleman see that there are a few sent to Royston Welfare Park?
§ 39. Mr. DAYasked the Minister of Pensions, as representing the First Com missioner of Works, whether he will give particulars of what alterations he is contemplating for opening or closing the Royal or public parks under his control; and will he consider increasing the speed limit for motorists in the parks to 30 miles an hour so as to make it uniform with that which exists in built-up areas?
Mr. HUDSONIn reply to the first part of the hon. Member's question, there are no such alterations at present contemplated. With reference to the second part of the question, the First Commissioner considers that the amenity of the Royal Parks, and consideration for the safety of pedestrians in particular, fully justify the retention of the existing speed limit.
§ Mr. DAYWith regard to the first part of the question, is it the fact that the parks overseas and in America are all kept open?
§ Mr. DENMANIs my hon. Friend aware that the speed limit is constantly disregarded, especially by taxi cabs, and will he see to it that it is more properly enforced?