§ Sir Douglas Marshallasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from the London Zoological Society about Government assistance with their capital reconstruction programme at Regent's Park; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe Zoological Society of London is engaged on a long-term programme of comprehensive redevelopment, which includes replanning the layout and reconstructing the majority of its buildings on the land at Regent's Park leased to it under the Crown Estate Act, 1961. It has sought a measure of financial help from Her Majesty's Government for this programme.
The Society has financed a substantial part of the reconstruction out of its revenues from the public, and from generous private benefactions, and it expects to continue to have to rely heavily on these sources for the completion of the work over the next ten years. I have, however, agreed to recommend to Parliament an Exchequer contribution of £½ million to this capital programme, of which £¼ million will be a grant and £¼ million will take the form of a loan at the appropriate Public Works Loan Board rate. Provision will be made in Estimates in due course.