HC Deb 01 November 1976 vol 918 c457W
Mr. Brotherton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the cost to public funds of the cleaning of St. James's Park lake; and how many people will be employed on this operation.

Mr. Marks

The lake in St. James's Park is being cleaned in three annual stages at a total cost of £90,000. Work on the second stage started on Monday 18th October and will take about two months. About 18 men will be employed by the contractor.

Mr. Brotherton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he invited volunteers and conservation groups to take responsibility for the cleaning of St. James's Park lake.

Mr. Marks

My right hon. Friend considers that the special problems of this artificial lake, caused by the high volume of leaves and other waste matter which fall into it, require the best available professional treatment. The present contractor has acquired a great deal of experience in this field and uses advanced machinery and techniques.