§ Major Beamishasked the Minister of Works the approximate profit or loss on the Festival Gardens and Fun Fair for the last season; and what are the future plans for the Gardens and Fun Fair.
§ Mr. EcclesI am informed by the Company that so far as can be determined at present there has been no operating loss and, when the accounts have been completed, it is likely that they will show a small profit. When, however, the capital expenditure incurred as a result of the decision to keep the Gardens open is taken into account there will be an adverse balance. The Festival Pleasure Gardens Act contemplated continuing the Gardens for five years with a possible break at the end of two years. At the time I warned the House that the continuance of the Gardens was a gamble. It has proved to be so. But with the expectation of more visitors next summer I see no reason to go back on the two-year period of trial.