HC Deb 25 July 1989 vol 157 cc690-2W
Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many deck chairs are available in Regent's park; how much they cost to hire and what were the equivalent figures in and for each year since 1979–80.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

There are approximately one hundred deckchairs in Regent's park. The cost per half-day session is 35p. Figures for the number of deckchairs in previous years are not available because the number of chairs provided is left to the discretion of the contractor. Hiring costs in previous years were as follows:

Year pence
1979 20
1982 25
1984 30
1986 35

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he has given to the financial and other status of Zoo Operations Ltd. in considering London Zoo's proposals for changes in Regent's park.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The Zoological Society of London's current proposals for changes follow a full review of the society's finances and zoo operations carried out in 1987–88 by consultants employed jointly by the Government and the society. The Government's conclusions on that review were announced on 11 May last year. We shall await the Zoological Society of London's detailed proposals for the further 10 acres. Zoo Operations Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Zoological Society of London.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is Her Majesty's Government's policy concerning the renewal of leases of private demesnes in the centre of Regent's park and the addition of such land to the park for the benefit of the public; when this policy was determined; and what was the policy which it replaced.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Private properties leased in Regent's park are owned by the Crown Estate and, apart from Regent's college, are not generally open to the public. Two areas of Regent's park—the zoological gardens and the golf and tennis school which are both open to the public on payment of a fee—are occupied on lease from the Department of the Environment. This division of responsibility is based on the provisions of the Crown Lands Act 1936 and the Crown Estate Act 1961.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what restrictions he has suggested to London Zoo concerning the location of any land that it takes over under the Crown Estate Act 1961.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The Crown Estate Act 1961 gives the Secretary of State power to grant up to 10 acres of neighbouring land. We await the Zoological Society of London's detailed proposals. Any new boundaries will have to be carefully landscaped by the society to minimise the impact on the park.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to ensure that London Zoo's rights in Regent's park under the Crown Estate Act 1961 are not assigned to any other body.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The current lease precludes the Zoological Society of London from underletting any part of its premises in Regent's park except for temporary use by a society or organisation with purposes similar to the society's. The new lease will include a similar restriction.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether any lessees of land in Regent's park besides London Zoo have made proposals to him to charge for access to any part within the outer canal.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The only other holder of a lease in Regent's park from my Department is the golf and tennis school which already charges for the use of its facilities. Companies also hold licences to operate and charge for recreational and refreshment facilities. Other organisations and individuals occupy property on lease from the Crown Estate.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether(a) the Crown Estate and (b) the occupants of St. John's lodge, Regent's Park lane, proposed taking in any part of the park other than that required to change the public access to the public gardens behind the lodge.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The Crown Estate made an informal inquiry to my Department in relation to the reinstatement of the original gardens of St. John's lodge as set out by John Nash. The Crown Estate was told that a formal request would not be looked on favourably and this has been accepted.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the land at Gloucester slips car park is included in the 10 acres of land in Regent's park of which the London Zoo may claim use under the Crown Estate Act 1961.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

No.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment who is currently responsible for deck chairs in Regent's park.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The contract for the deck chair service is currently operated by J. H. Kesslers Limited.

Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether his agreement to the London Zoo taking over the Gloucester slips car park in Regent's park was by lease; and on what date any agreement was signed.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The Zoological Society of London took over management of the Gloucester slips coach and car park under licence and not by lease on 1 April 1989. The terms of the licence will be finalised shortly.