HC Deb 14 June 1937 vol 325 c18
34. Sir Nicholas Grattan-Doyle

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that the new lawns, new gravel paths, and flower beds in Queen Mary's Gardens, Regents Park, are now being broken up with wooden structures, palings, and heavy motor lorries for a private charity fete; and that these gardens are unsuitable for charity fetes or fun fairs; and will he forbid the damaging of the lawns and paths, and arrange that, in future, these disturbances shall be transferred to other parts of Regents Park, or to the unused garden of Bedford College, or the garden of the Zoological Society?

The First Commissioner of Works (Sir Philip Sassoon)

My hon. Friend is presumably referring to the Theatrical Garden Party held on 8th June in aid of the Actors' Orphanage. This fete and one other were held annually in these gardens when they were privately occupied by the Royal Botanic Society. It has already been decided that this is the last year in which they can be held there, and the organisers will, therefore, make their own arrangements in future.