HC Deb 13 November 1951 vol 493 cc819-21

The following Question stood upon the Order Paper:

110. MR. ROLAND ROBINSON

,—TO ask the Minister of Works whether he has yet made a decision with regard to the continuance of the Battersea Park Fun Fair and Festival Gardens.

The Minister of Works (Mr. David Eccles)

With permission, I wish to make a statement in reply to Question No. 110. In view of the demand for the continuance of the Festival Pleasure Gardens and the estimate by Festival Gardens Limited that a substantial part of the outstanding loan capital can be repaid out of profits, the Government have decided to introduce enabling legislation for the Festival Pleasure Gardens to remain open for a period of up to five years, with the proviso that the Gardens may be closed at the end of two further seasons should the Government or the London County Council so require. For further details, I would ask the House to await the completion of discussions with the London County Council and the introduction of a Bill.

Mr. H. Hynd

May I ask whether that includes the Amusement Park?

Mr. Eccles

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Herbert Morrison

I should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the decision of the Government, which I warmly welcome, will be very acceptable, not only to the people of London, but to visitors from other parts of the United Kingdom and abroad? These Pleasure Gardens have given a great deal of family happiness, and I hope that all parties in the House will collaborate with the right hon. Gentleman in getting the Bill through as expeditiously as possible.

Mr. Robinson

In making this decision, has the Minister accepted the figures and estimates given to his predecessor, or did he call for a re-examination of those figures, and does he hope in the time available to recoup the losses made by the previous Government?

Mr. Eccles

Yes, Sir. That is one of the main reasons for continuing the Gardens. On the estimates provided by the Board it looks as though we shall make substantial reductions in the £1,162,000 which the Company now owes.

Sir I. Fraser

While applauding the attempt of the present Government to amortise the incalculable debt imposed upon us by the previous Government, will my hon. Friend have in mind the penalty which he will put upon seaside resorts throughout the country and the great unfairness of Government subsidised competition with private amusement all over the land?

Several Hon. Members rose

—

Mr. Speaker

We are promised further details and a Bill in due course on this matter. I think perhaps we had better proceed with the Business.