HC Deb 12 February 1957 vol 564 cc1049-50
3. Mr. Lipton

asked the Minister of Works what plans he has made to improve the amenities of Hyde Park.

Mr. Molson

I am naturally anxious to improve the amenities of all the Royal Parks but I have no specific proposals to announce at present.

Mr. Lipton

Will the right hon. Gentleman include in his list of planned improvements the removal of that horrible eyesore, Knightsbridge Barracks, which at present completely spoils the whole appearance of the southern boundary of Hyde Park?

Mr. Molson

My responsibility for the amenities of Hyde Park does not warrant my destroying all ugly buildings in the neighbourhood, and more particularly those that are under the care of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War.

Mr. G. Longden

Would my right hon. Friend consider reinstating some kind of aesthetic railing upon either side of Rotten Row, because at the moment most horse riders appear to be rather fonder of the ground than of their saddles, and many loose horses are causing alarm and despondency among the perambulators, dog-exercisers and sun-worshippers?

Mr. Molson

I had thought that the amenities of the park had been increased by the fact that there are no boundaries along the side of Rotton Row, but obviously one has to take safety considerations into account, and I will certainly bear in mind what my hon. Friend has said.