HC Deb 20 November 1951 vol 494 c31W
105. Mr. Teeling

asked the Minister of Works why, before deciding to keep open the Battersea amusement park for anything up to five years, he did not consult hon. Members representing seaside and holiday, resorts which have suffered considerable loss due to this competition during 1951.

Mr. Eccles

Before it was decided to keep open the Festival Pleasure Gardens the possible economic effects were studied, including those on seaside and holiday resorts The information available to the Government does not support the suggestion that seaside and holiday resorts have suffered considerable loss due to this competition during 1951. Any such attraction which brings more visitors to this country or persuades them to stay longer is of value to us, and I hope that the proposal to continue the Festival Gardens will be looked at from a national point of view.