§ 5. Mr. Lawasked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that the preparations being made in Kensington Gardens for the reception of troops taking part in the Victory parade have alienated a great part of the gardens from the public use, and that the piles of rusty barbed wire constitute a danger to the children of the neighbourhood; and whether he has investigated the possibility of accommodating the troops elsewhere, if necessary, on the outskirts of London.
§ Mr. Tomlinson:As regards the first part of the Question, I would refer the right hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Paddington South (Vice-Admiral Taylor) on 9th instant, of which I am sending him a copy. Provided proper care is taken, the barbed wire which is being erected by the War Office in Kensington Gardens should not constitute a danger to children. I understand that it was regarded as impracticable to transport the troops from the outskirts of London to the assembly points for the March on the same day as it took place. The Women's Services are, however, being accommodated at Hampton Court.