Mr. MACDONALD CAMERON (Wick, &c.)asked the First Commissioner of Works, Whether the seats promised to be put on the Thames frontage of Kew Gardens have been placed there; and, if not, when they will be; whether any further decision has been arrived at as to the opening of Queen's Gate for public use; and, if not, would he state the reason; whether it is proposed to remove the brick wall around the Gardens in Richmond Road; and, whether the authorities will permit smoking in the grounds of the Gardens?
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER (Mr. PLUNKET) (Dublin University)Sir, I will see that any promises which have been made as to placing seats on the Thames frontage of Kew Gardens shall be carried out without delay. As to the opening of Queen's Gate—or more properly the Temperate House Gate—that suggestion has frequently been made to the Office of Works, and especially urgently and repeatedly by the hon. Baronet the Member for the Kingston Division of Surrey (Sir Whittaker Ellis); but we have never been able to admit that a sufficient case has been made out. If ever the Lichfield Road is extended to the station, a new gate at the end of that road and immediately opposite the station will, we believe, meet the wants of the public. As to removing the brick wall round Kew Gardens, I am informed that that could not be done without injury to the Gardens, and without exposing many of the valuable shrubs in them to the destructive effects of easterly winds and dust. As to the suggestion to permit smoking in the grounds, that question is new to me; but I shall inquire into it.