§ Mr. W. GRAHAMasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he has received representations from the Town Council of Edinburgh, from Scottish allotment holders, and other organisations, protesting against the notices served on the allotment holders in King's Park, Edinburgh, requiring them to leave at the end of February, 1922; whether these allotments occupy what was formerly waste ground, now in a high state of cultivation, occupy only a small corner of this large park, do not interfere in any 311W way with the full enjoyment of the park by the public, and are generally approved by the citizens of Edinburgh; whether, if the notices are allowed to take effect, he is aware that a large number of working men will be deprived of useful spare-time occupation in the supply of necessary commodities; and whether, having regard to the fact that the conditions in the King's Park, Edinburgh, are admittedly different from those prevailing in other royal parks, he will reconsider the present decision and allow these allotment holders to remain?
§ Sir A. MONDI am aware of the circumstances referred to by the hon. Member, but have no evidence of a general desire that the allotments in question should be allowed to remain; nor, as at present advised, can I see any justification for the continued occupation for allotment purposes for the benefit of a few individuals of any portions of the public parks which are maintained out of Imperial funds for the benefit of the community as a whole. I am, however, giving the matter further consideration and hope to be able to give the hon. Member a final decision in a week's time.