§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Public Building and Works why he has agreed to a 50 per cent. increase in the price charged for chairs in parks and open spaces controlled by his Department; whether he is aware that these increased charges adversely affect pensioners, the disabled and others on controlled and limited incomes; and whether he will refer the increase to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.
§ Mr. MellishDespite every effort to absorb increasing costs, the company operating the deck chair service in the Royal Parks has been suffering increasingly heavy losses. After consultation with my right hon. Friend the First Secretary of State, the increase in the charge from 6d. to 9d. was allowed to enable them to pay their way.
The company issues on application monthly season tickets at a reduced rate to old-age pensioners and in other deserving cases, and also to local welfare organisations for distribution to old-age pensioners. The charge in these cases is not being increased.