§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in pursuit of his policy of privatisation and the introduction of private capital into the public sector, he has any proposals to grant franchises for the exercise of all his functions in any or all of the Royal parks.
§ Mr. HeseltineIt would not be appropriate for all the responsibilities laid on me by Parliament under the Crown Lands Act 1851 to be discharged by franchises. However, there are certain functions such as catering, boating, and the provision of deck chairs that can be carried out in this way; 17 such concessions have already been granted. In addition, almost all building work in the Royal parks is carried out under contract with the private sector.