§ Baroness Jegerasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many staff of the Royal Parks who at present occupy lodges in the parks will he allowed to remain and whether there will be any change in their rental arrangements and responsibility for repairs.
§ The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Baroness Blatch)There are 22 gardening staff living in lodges in the Royal Parks. They will be able to continue living there whether or not they are employed by contractors working in the parks. Those who are not already paying fair rents will be required to do so. The increases will be staged over a period depending on the size of the change. Those who are eligible for housing benefit will have their rents reduced accordingly. The Department will remain responsible for repairs to buildings and services.