To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether his Department takes steps to estimate the proportion of users of (a) Richmond Park and (b) Bushy Park in each (i) ethnic group and (ii) income group. (262251)

The Royal Parks advise that they run an ongoing programme of research looking at visitor profiles in all the Royal Parks, including Bushy and Richmond. The studies include data on ethnicity and socio-economic status. In addition, an in-depth study which compared park usage to detailed profiles for the wards bordering and close to the parks was undertaken in 2006.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether his Department has made an assessment of the impact of the proposed car park charging regime in (a) Richmond Park and (b) Bushy Park on levels of usage of each park by people from low income households; and if he will make a statement. (262252)

The Royal Parks advise that a draft impact assessment has been produced as part of the consultation exercise into possible changes to the park regulations and published on The Royal Parks’ website. The consultation expressly seeks views on the level of charges. The responses will help inform the impact of introducing a charging regime.

I understand that a copy of the consultation document and draft impact assessment was sent to the hon. Member on 30 January.