HC Deb 02 March 1936 vol 309 cc986-7
25. Sir C. COBB

asked the First Commissioner of Works what steps he will take to prevent a repetition this year of the disorder to the lawns in the Queen Mary Garden, Regent's Park, and to forbid the paths near the lawns being covered with cinders and refuse, in order that public enjoyment of this garden for three weeks in the summer may not again be curtailed owing to the week's preparation prior to and the week's clearing up after, in addition to the week during which the annual fun fair is held?

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

No annual fun fair is held in these gardens. The only functions for which permission is given are the Theatrical Garden Party and the Post Office Orphanage fete. Each function is for one day, though preparations and clearing away necessarily take a little time. Only about a third of the grounds is closed to the public on these two days, and no damage has been caused to the lawns. No new functions will be allowed, and the two referred to above have only been permitted on the ground that they took place in the gardens before the latter were taken over by my Department. It may be that as the scheme for the gradual improvement of these gardens develops, it may become necessary for these two customary fetes to find accommodation elsewhere, but they will be allowed to take place this year.