HC Deb 15 May 1962 vol 659 cc1119-20
3. Mrs. Castle

asked the Minister of Works why the turnstiles have not been removed from the public conveniences at Kew Gardens and Hampton Court.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works (Mr. Richard Thompson)

Following a review of the arrangements at public conveniences in the Royal Parks, the turnstiles will be removed from the two in Hampton Court Gardens as soon as satisfactory alternative arrangements can be made. Kew Gardens is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and I will consult him about what should be done.

Mrs. Castle

Is it not intolerable that, about six months after the Minister of Housing and Local Government announced that the Government's policy was to get local authorities to abolish these turnstiles forthwith, such turnstiles are still in operation not merely in the places mentioned in my Question but in Hyde Park and elsewhere in the Royal Parks? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this country would be happier and better governed if there were greater co-ordination between Government Departments? Will he please take steps at once to open the doors of these turnstiles because they are dangerous and there ought to be no further delay in having the danger removed? Does the Minister know that cases of serious injury have been brought to my attention?

Mr. Thompson

I should not put quite so fine a point on it as the hon. Lady does in suggesting that the good government of this country depends on freer admission to public conveniences, but I can say that in the establishments within our care where turnstile admission is still in force the necessary alternative arrangements are being made as quickly as possible.