HC Deb 04 July 1949 vol 466 cc1757-8
2. Sir Wavell Wakefield

asked the Minister of Works on what grounds he is proposing to terminate the tenancies of allotment holders in Regent's Park at the end of this year; if he will reconsider his decision, in view of the valuable food produced, and that, in most cases, the plots are so situated that they are unsuitable for the playing of games.

The Minister of Works (Mr. Key)

My statutory duties require me to maintain the Royal Parks for the use and enjoyment of the public as a whole and not to alienate portions of them to individuals. I have carefully considered the decision to terminate the tenancies of the allotments in Regent's Park at the end of this year and I am unable to alter it. All the allotments occupy ground which before the war was used for games and it will be used for this purpose again when it has been restored.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the admirable principles which he has enunciated as to his stewardship of the Royal Parks when he is considering Richmond Park?

Mr. Key

I have already told the hon. Gentleman over and over again that that is the case with regard to Richmond Park.

Sir Waldron Smithers

Are not the allotments necessary to the public as a whole for the production of food, and is not food more important than games?