§ 44. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Minister of Pensions, as representing the 22 First Commissioner of Works, whether his attention has been called to the number of accidents caused to pedestrians, especially children and women, by falling over the low iron railings, 12 inches to 15 inches in height, bordering certain of the paths in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens; whether he is aware that these rails are in a bad state of repair and rusty, serve no useful purpose, and involve considerable expense in painting and repair, as well as being a danger to the public; and whether he will give directions for any such railings which have not already been removed to be removed forthwith?
§ Mr. R. S. HUDSON(for the First Commissioner of Works): I am informed that it has been the policy of the Department to remove these railings where it is considered desirable to do so, and I will report to my Noble Friend the suggestion made by the hon. Member, so that on his return to this country he may consider the possibilities of further removal.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs the hon. Member aware that these dwarf railings are at different heights at different places, and that a step which will clear them at one spot will catch a person's toe at another? Is he also aware that owing to a serious accident in the Green Park some time ago the central railings going through the park were removed without any detriment to the paths?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOOREIs the hon. Member aware that these railings were reduced by the right hon. Member for Bow and Bromley (Mr. Lansbury) with general approval, and will he not convey to his right hon. Friend that this might be done again?