Mr. DOYLEasked the First Commissioner of Works what action he is taking, if any, to restore to the public their inalienable rights in the public parks; if he is aware that many of the apparently permanent buildings erected therein have not received the sanction of Parliament; and if he will say when he proposes to make a statement to the House as to the cost, the future, and the uses of the buildings indicated?
§ Sir A. MONDThe question of permanently accommodating the largely increased Government staffs is receiving my serious consideration. No effort has been or will be spared by my Department with a view to restoring the Royal parks as desired, but so long as the demand for office accommodation continues in excess of the supply, the question of removing these buildings must be postponed. As the hon. Member is aware, the buildings had to be erected in the parks during the stress of war, as no other accommodation could be found for the large Government staffs called into being in the national emergency. The cost of the buildings has already been published in the appropriation accounts, and I am sending the hon. Member a statement showing the buildings (for the removal of which it has not yet been possible to make any definite arrangement) and the Departments in occupation.