HC Deb 12 June 1882 vol 270 cc805-6
MR. BROADHURST

asked the First Commissioner of Works, Whether he will use his influence with the Council of the Royal Botanic Society to induce them to make arrangements whereby the public can have access to the Botanical Gardens and ground of that society situated in Regent's Park?

MR. COURTNEY

Sir, my right hon. Friend the First Commissioner of Works has no relations with the Royal Botanic Society in his official capacity. That Society occupies its grounds in the Regent's Park under a lease from the Commissioner of Woods, which does not expire until 1901. It is under covenant to use the premises as a botanic garden; but Government has no power during the present lease to compel the Society to admit the public to the grounds.