Early day motion 355

That this House, mindful of the unique importance of the health and its facilities to the health and well-being of London and Londoners, shares the Government's commitment to the reduction of obesity and support for healthy exercise; calls upon the Government to discuss, with the Corporation of the City of London, how the threatened closure of the bathing ponds may be avoided; notes that such a closure is envisioned by the apparent lack of ú65,000, an amount bearing no relation to the actual loss should Londoners be deprived of this passionately valued, much used and irreplaceable facility.

leave out from "shares" to end and insert "notes that since it assumed responsibility for the heath in 1989 the Corporation of London has spent over ú50 million on the Heath at no cost to Londoners; understands that current health and safety regulations require the presence of lifeguards at the ponds at a cost of ú500,000 per annum; believes that the corporation remains committed to the maintenance of the Heath for the good of all London; and, while all options for the bathing ponds remain under discussion, supports the Corporation in the decision to consult in detail with users over future arrangements".