§ 3. Captain Bullockasked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether any decision has been taken with a view to making the gardens in London squares into atractive public gardens.
§ Mr. F. MarshallNo, Sir; but I propose to give the matter further consideration in due course in connection with legislative proposals which I hope to put before Parliament.
§ Captain BullockIs not this the moment for some scheme to be hurried on, otherwise these squares will soon be enclosed and the whole story will begin again?
§ Mr. MarshallMost, if not all, of these squares are already protected from building development. The proposal outlined in the Question involves considerable labour for maintenance, and neither the London County Council nor the London boroughs are at the moment prepared to provide that labour.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeDoes my hon. Friend realise that to turn these private gardens into public gardens would add very considerably to the amenities of London, which are already fast disappearing?
§ Sir Wavell WakefieldWill the Minister consider utilising the space underneath these gardens for public garages, so that the revenue obtained would help to maintain the gardens above?
§ Mr. MarshallThat is another question.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas MooreWould the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that railings will not be replaced, thereby preventing the public having access to the gardens?
§ Mr. MarshallAll these things will be taken into consideration when the decision is made on the major question.