HC Deb 03 May 1955 vol 540 cc1496-7
24. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware of the inadequate size and poor condition of the sports pavilion in Regent's Park, which provides only eight dressing-rooms for the 400 cricketers who play in the park at weekends; and if he will take steps to rebuild and enlarge it at an early date.

The Minister of Works (Mr. Nigel Birch)

The pavilion will be enlarged and improved but I cannot hold out prospects of an early start on the work.

Mr. Robinson

Does that mean that the right hon. Gentleman accepts financial responsibility for this work, and can he give some idea when work can be commenced on this pavilion, because the present arrangements are totally inadequate? Is it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman's Department accepts fees from the users of the pavilion?

Mr. Birch

I am not sure about the fees. This is war damage and therefore we accept responsibility; but it is a big job costing £30,000, and it has to take its turn.