§ COLONEL NORTHsaid, he wished to ask the First Commissioner of Works, Whether his attention has been called to the decision of Mr. Arnold, the Police Magistrate at Westminster, on Thursday last, in the case of a woman brought before him for plucking a plant in Chelsea Hospital Garden, that it was no offence, as plants and flowers were not protected by law; and, if this is so, what protection there is for the plants and flowers in the Public Parks which are maintained at so great expense?
§ LORD JOHN MANNERSsaid, in reply, that his attention had been called to the case alluded to by the hon. and gallant Member, and he believed the decision of the magistrate was erroneous. Sir William Atherton's Act was, he believed, still operative, and he was prepared to 1485 proceed under its provisions against any such offenders.