HC Deb 08 May 1951 vol 487 c1738
18. Mr. Ian Harvey

asked the Minister of Works what will be the total expenditure on the alterations to the Lido in Hyde Park; and what benefits will accrue to the bathing public from these alterations.

The Minister of Works (Mr. George Brown)

The estimated cost of these improvements is £29,000. The benefits which will accrue to the public from this expenditure were described in the reply to the hon. Member's Question on 20th November, 1950. At present the available changing accommodation is insufficient to meet more than a fraction of the demand in fine weather.

Mr. Harvey

May I be allowed to congratulate the right hon. Gentleman on his first answer in his new office? May I ask him if he is aware that, whereas the main requirement of this Lido is that there should be some space for sun bathing when there is sun, as a result of the fortifications being put up there is less space? Does this not represent a certain lack of planning?

Mr. Brown

No, Sir. We are planning on the factor which is constant—the supply of water in which people swim.