HC Deb 27 October 1953 vol 518 cc2591-3
9. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Minister of Works how many men were normally employed in patrolling Primrose Hill after dark in 1952; and what has been the maximum number employed on such duties at any time during the current year.

Sir D. Eccles

Up till now Primrose Hill has been watched after dark by the police and not by my staff. The number of officers varies and I am advised that it would not be in the public interest to disclose their arrangements.

Mr. Robinson

How does this tie up with the Minister's statement that he has tried increased patrolling? Cannot he find some extra men from his own Department to assist the police and really intensify the patrols for an experimental short period before closing this hill altogether and completing the fencing?

Sir D. Eccles

The police have tried increased patrolling. I am willing to consider the hon. Gentleman's suggestion. I had thought that when it was enclosed we might use members of my own staff and a dog or two for an experimental period. We must take some steps to stop this hooliganism.

Mr. E. Fletcher

Is it not a monstrous infringement of liberty to close Primrose Hill after dark? Why is it that Hyde Park and Hampstead Heath can be kept open after dark, but not Primrose Hill? Why should Primrose Hill be singled out for closure?

Sir D. Eccles

I regret the closure as much as the hon. Gentleman, but the reason is the degree of damage done to Primrose Hill, which is far greater than elsewhere.

There is a conflict of interests here between residents who wish to use Primrose Hill as a short cut to go from one place to another at night and the general public who want to have the amenities of Primrose Hill preserved for their use in the daytime. I am afraid there is no way of reconciling completely those two points of view.

Mr. H. Brooke

Will my right hon. Friend also look into the patrolling of Primrose Hill in the daytime, because those in the locality well know that it is not only at night that damage is done and the regulations are broken?

Sir D. Eccles

Yes, I will.

Mr. Robinson

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that protests are not limited to residents? I have had protests from as far afield as Chingford and many other parts of London.