HC Deb 30 March 1911 vol 23 cc1682-4W
Mr. REMNANT

asked the hon. Member for Southampton, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if the road alterations proposed to be carried out in St. James's Park in connection with the King Edward VII. memorial are identical with a portion o£ the improvement scheme to St. James's Park which was submitted to His Majesty's Office of Works by Mr. F. W. Speaight on 31st March, 1909?

Mr. DUDLEY WARD

The answer is in the negative. It is obvious that any path leading from one given point to another must bear a certain similarity to any other path going in the same direction.

Mr. WHITEHOUSE

asked how much the House of Commons voted for the maintenance of St. James's Park for the last financial year?

Mr. DUDLEY WARD

A sum of £40,090 was voted for the year 1910–11 for the maintenance of St. James's, Green, and Hyde Parks. No separate allocation is made for anyone of these three parks, which are under one superintendent and are worked by one staff.

Mr. CATHCART WASON

asked what is the total acreage of St. James's Park at present; how much was taken from it by the widening of the Mall a few years ago; and how much more will practically be thrown into the Mall by the proposed alterations suggested by the Mansion House Committee?

Mr. DUDLEY WARD

The area of St. James's Park proper, within the railings is at present fifty-three acres; and the area withdrawn from the park for the actual construction of the new Mall is 1.6 acre. Until plans are made the First Commissioner is afraid that it is impossible to reply to the last part of the question; but in accordance with the Prime Minister's answer yesterday full opportunity will be given to this House to express their opinion before any action of any kind is taken.