§ Sir R. Glynasked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he is aware that many of the London Square gardens are subject to special Acts of Parliament; whether he proposes to call a conference of those concerned, with a view to arriving at a settlement in regard to the reinstatement of those gardens which were requisitioned for various C.D. purposes and which, by the removal of the iron railings, became open spaces; and to consider what should be the future of London 427W Squares in connection with town planning and public amenities.
§ Mr. Silkin:The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir "; to the second part, that the question of the reinstatement of those gardens which were requisitioned for Civil Defence purposes has already been the subject of discussions between the various Departments and local authorities concerned, and restoration is proceeding so far as is possible, having regard to the necessity for employing available labour on more urgent work; and to the third part that the Question of further powers in regard to London squares is under consideration.