HC Deb 19 June 1967 vol 748 cc1108-9
29. Mr. Alan Lee Williams

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he will make a statement on the progress of proposals to improve amenities and catering facilities in the Royal Parks of St. James's and Greenwich.

Mr. Prentice

Sketch plans for a new "Cake House" in St. James's Park are now ready. Measures are in hand to provide a better selection of food and to improve the service at the Greenwich Park restaurant. We are also looking into ways of making the building itself more attractive.

Mr. Williams

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for his reply in relation to St. James's Park and the "Cake House", but is there not a need for more immediate steps to be taken to improve facilities until the new arrangements come into operation? Further, would he not agree that the present arrangements at Greenwich Park are an absolute disgrace?

Mr. Prentice

We hope to be able to get ahead at St. James's Park without much delay, but we cannot do much more there until we have a more satisfactory building. The range of refreshments available at Greenwich Park is being extended at the moment and I am advised that the tea house will shortly change to full self-service, which may avoid some of the delays which now occur. A new vending machine for soft drinks is also to be provided. I am still considering whether any alterations to the buildings in Greenwich Park are necessary.

Mr. Moyle

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the majority of local residents who use the self-service facilities in Greenwich Park think them pretty rotten, and that a large number of foreign visitors who use the facilities think them pretty appalling? Is he not allowing himself a very leisurely timetable for rectifying matters?

Mr. Prentice

No, Sir. Just now, I gave details of a number of measures to improve the situation, but if my hon. Friend will draw my attention to some evidence for the kind of statement he has made I will look into the matter further.