HC Deb 21 July 1953 vol 518 cc20-1W
84. Mr. Colegate

asked the Minister of Works whether he is yet able to make a statement about the future of the Festival Pleasure Gardens.

Sir D. Eccles

The House will be sorry to learn that the attendances at the Battersea Festival Gardens and Fun Fair are running well below the level at which a profit can be made. It is evident that the Company will not pay its expenses unless fresh capital on a substantial scale is invested.

I have, therefore, asked the L.C.C., who are considering the matter, whether they agree to wind up the Company at the end of this season or would prefer to carry on alone.

In an effort to attract larger numbers to the Gardens the Board has reduced the entrance fee to 6d. I very much hope that this substantial reduction will be widely noted, for there is a remarkable range of entertainment to be enjoyed for the price of the entrance fee.