HC Deb 05 May 1943 vol 389 cc160-1
28. Mr. Parker

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works whether gates, such as those to Hyde Park, rendered unnecessary by the removal of railings, can also now be taken for scrap provided they have no special artistic merits?

Mr. Hicks

All gates to the Royal Parks which fall outside the excepted classes—including those necessary to exclude vehicular traffic at night and on special occasions—have already been taken for scrap.

Major Petherick

Is not the retention of the gates without the railings rather like keeping a lock without a door?

Mr. Hicks

I am sure my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate, in the case of Hyde Park, that if the gates at Hyde Park Corner or Marble Arch were taken down it would be easy for vehicles to pass through the park during the night, and for that reason they are retained.