THE EARL OF PLYMOUTHMy Lords, I rise to ask the noble Lord who represents the Office of Works whether it is intended to allow the Young Men's Christian Association to erect a hut in the Canning Enclosure. This is a very small bit of ground, and for its size I do not think there could be any other picked out in London which is a greater boon to the public. It is under the shadow almost of the Abbey, and is so situated that at all times of the day it is a delightfully shady spot. Recently I was there quite by chance in the middle of the day, and I found twenty-six people on the eight seats that are there provided. I ask that some undertaking should be given that the proposed building should not be erected on, nor interfere with, any part of the enclosure now open to the public. I am asking this Question on behalf of the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association and at the request of my noble friend Lord Meath, who is unable to be present. So far as they are concerned, if the hut is not placed on any part of the ground open to the public they will be quite satisfied. But personally I think that if another site could be found for the very useful work which the Young Men's Christian Association are doing, it would be a great public advantage.
§ LORD STANMOREMy Lords, the First Commissioner of Works had given permission for a very small hut to be erected in the Canning Enclosure. It was intended as an information bureau to give assistance to sailors and soldiers, and it was to be so arranged as not to interfere with the eight seats mentioned by the noble Earl. In view, however, of protests made by Lord Meath on behalf of the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association, Sir Alfred Mond has now informed the Young Men's Christian Association that he will have to modify the proposal, and to offer them a site in the neighbourhood on a piece of ground that is not open to the public.