6. Vice-Admiral Taylorasked the Minister of Works (1) whether the area of Kensington Gardens on the east side of the Long Water can now be made available to the public;
(2) for what purpose he is proposing to deny the use of Kensington Gardens to the public; and for how long.
§ Mr. TomlinsonA camp is being erected in Kensington Gardens, as on similar occasions in the past, to accommodate troops who will take part in the Victory March on 8th June next. Most of the Gardens will have to be enclosed with the exception of an area adjoining the Albert Memorial and some of the land west of the Broad Walk. The Round Pond and access to it will remain open to the public. The camp area will not be closed to the public until the camp is actually required for occupation. Most of the area east of the Long Water will become available to the public when the camp is struck in June next.
Vice-Admiral TaylorIs the Minister aware of the great hardship which is imposed on the general public, especially upon the children, and will he see that as little barbed wire as possible is put up, and that it is put up at the last moment? Can he say when the park will be closed, and for how long?
§ Mr. TomlinsonI am aware of the inconvenience which is caused, and I doubt whether we should have been allowed to close it for any other purpose. The period during which it will be closed will be cut down to the minimum.