HL Deb 03 May 1989 vol 507 cc249-50WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why there are now nine kiosks and vans selling popcorn and ice creams between the Serpentine Bridge and Hyde Park Corner, as well as two large cafes.

The Earl of Caithness

The caterer has approval to operate 10 mobile kiosks throughout Hyde Park at agreed locations. Seven of these are on the Serpentine Round, where most potential customers tend to congregate. Two of the remaining kiosks travel along the Serpentine Round from time to time to obtain fresh stock from one of the main restaurants. We are currently reviewing the catering in Hyde Park to see what improvements can be made. This will include consideration of the number, design and location of mobile kiosks.

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the buildings now occupying the whole open space beside Park Lane in Hyde Park, and how long they will be there.

The Earl of Caithness:

The temporary structures on the Parade Ground in Hyde Park are part of the ASDA Festival of Food and Farming, which is being held from 4th-7th May. Dismantling will begin on 8th May and will be completed by 20th May.

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What percentage of the total area of Hyde Park is now grass on which the public can freely walk and sit.

The Earl of Caithness

Some 60 per cent. (202 acres) of Hyde Park is grass which is freely available for use by the public. The Serpentine Lake, the nursery ground, the reservoir, gardens and shrubberies and various buildings and hard surfaces such as roads comprise the remaining 40 per cent.

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How much money they will make this year from licences, taxes, rents, franchises, permissions, etc., for people to sell, hire out, exhibit or bet on things in Hyde Park, and what they will do with it.

The Earl of Caithness

The income from Hyde Park is expected to be in the order of £370,000 for the current financial year. Betting is prohibited under the Royal Parks Regulations. All income is offset against the high cost of running the Royal Parks.