HC Deb 13 March 1950 vol 472 cc726-7
12. Mr. Gilzean

asked the Minister of Works in view of social, economic and health giving values of the 231 allotments situated on the fringes of the King's Park, Edinburgh, why he has given notice to the occupiers of the said allotments to quit in 1951.

Mr. Stokes

The Royal Parks are maintained for the use and enjoyment of the public as a whole. Practically all allotments still under cultivation at Holy-rood Park, Edinburgh, occupy ground which, before the war, was used for games and which will be again so used when the land has been restored. I regret, therefore, that I am not prepared to withdraw the notice to quit.

Mr. Gilzean

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the place under consideration is a sloping bank, that it has no recreational value whatsoever, and that it gives a great deal of pleasure and help to a large number of old age pensioners? Will the Minister look at the place?

Mr. Stokes

That may well be, but my responsibility is to see that the Royal Parks are returned for the enjoyment of the public as soon as possible—an attitude which I hope the House will support. Certainly, in view of what my hon. Friend has said, I will look at it, but not with much optimism.