HC Deb 27 November 1950 vol 481 cc769-70
28. Commander Noble

asked the Minister of Transport what will be the total capacity of the official car parks for the Festival Gardens and Amusement Section in Battersea Park.

Mr. Barnes

Responsibility for providing car parks under the Public Works (Festival of Britain) Act, 1949, rests with the London County Council, who are acting in consultation with the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis. I am informed that arrangements are being made for three car parks in Battersea with an estimated total capacity of 1,750 cars, of which from 600 to 700 will be accommodated in Battersea Park itself.

Commander Noble

Could the Minister say what other arrangements are being made for car parks so that the least inconvenience will be caused in the neighbourhood?

Mr. Barnes

Does the hon. and gallant Member mean in regard to the Battersea Park Festival Gardens?

Commander Noble

Yes.

Mr. Barnes

I have given the hon. and gallant Member that information. I am not aware of any other facilities in connection with Battersea Park. There are other arrangements in connection with the South Bank Festival.

Commander Noble

The Minister has rather missed my point. He has told me about official car parks. I am asking about car parking as a whole in the neighbourhood.

Mr. Barnes

Apart from the Festival?

Commander Noble

I am trying to ask about people who are going to Battersea Park and cannot find room for their cars in the public car parks. What other arrangements is the Minister making to ensure the least public inconvenience?

Mr. Barnes

I have already stated that accommodation will be provided for 1,750 cars. I have no information other than that.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Will disabled ex-Servicemen be in charge of these car parks?

Mr. Barnes

I cannot say. As I have indicated, the L.C.C. are in charge of these car parks. I will, by consultation with them, endeavour to find out.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Will the Minister press the L.C.C. to ask disabled ex-Servicemen to run the car parks?

Mr. Barnes

I haves no reason to assume that the L.C.C. will not take that point into consideration. I will certainly convey the point to them.