§ 33. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Works what special new attractions there will be at the Battersea Festival Pleasure Gardens for the forthcoming season.
§ Mr. EcclesThis is a matter for the board of the Company and I have every confidence that they will arrange a very attractive programme of new features. I understand that, in their view, publicity for new attractions will have most value if it starts about a month before the opening date.
§ Mr. DoddsDoes not the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that hundreds of firms and organisations arrange their trips months before and many organisations and firms want to know about Battersea Gardens? Is it an atomic power plant? Why the secrecy? If the Minister wants to see it succeed, why does he not see that someone gets cracking on the business?
§ Mr. EcclesAs a matter of fact, I put the point the hon. Member has made to the board of the Company, but from their experience in this matter they feel the disadvantages of coming out too soon are over-weighed by waiting and making it more of a surprise. I believe that these gentlemen understand their business.