HC Deb 29 April 1968 vol 763 cc772-3
21. Mr. Whitaker

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what proposals he has for the improvement of public parks under his controls.

Mr. Mellish

My general policy is to preserve the Royal Parks as places primarily for quiet and peaceful enjoyment and recreation by the public. I shall continue to introduce improvements which are consistent with this policy, for example, in landscaping and gardening features, tree planting, refreshment facilities and the renewal as necessary of facilities for sport and recreation.

Mr. Whitaker

To help forward this admirable policy, will my right hon. Friend look at the experiments which have been taking place in New York, details of which have been sent to him, including the closing of parks to motor traffic al weekends?

Mr. Mellish

If that were practicable I should do it. In reply to an earlier Question, I let it be known that I do not favour making greater facilities available for motor traffic, and I say now to the R.A.C. and the A.A., "Please do not write to me and ask for more facilities"—they will not get them, as far as I am concerned. I can tell the House that I have just had a survey completed by some schoolboys of 16, which produced some splendid results. It shows that the vast majority of people in London, at least, want these places to be quiet and peaceful. I intend to ensure just that if I can.