HC Deb 15 May 1956 vol 552 cc1818-9
36. Mr. Hunter

asked the Minister of Works the reasons for increasing the charges for persons using deck chairs in the Royal Parks by 33⅓per cent.

The Minister of Works (Mr. P. G. T. Buchan-Hepburn)

The charge was raised from 3d. to 4d. when a new agreement was negotiated for the hire of chairs from 1st April this year. This increase was agreed to meet rising costs after close scrutiny of the contractor's accounts.

Mr. Hunter

Is the Minister aware that in the parks under the control of the London County Council the hire charge for a deck-chair is 3d. Will he watch the position in the Royal Parks very carefully? Otherwise if the increase in charge continues, it will become increasingly difficult for a family even to sit in deck chairs in the Royal Parks?

Mr. Buchan-Hepburn

In the case of the Royal Parks the contract which we held came to an end on 31st March last. Increased charges were necessary for various reasons. It is not for me to speak for the London County Council, but I think that the council has the same contractor, and its contract has not yet come to an end.