§ SIB ROPER LETHBRIDGE (Kensington, N.)asked the First Commissioner of Works, Whether he has considered the various intimations that have been forwarded to him of the wish of the inhabitants of Kensington for improved means of access to Kensington Gardens at the north-west corner of the Gardens; and, whether he will be able to take any steps in the direction of meeting that wish?
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER (Mr. PLUNKET) (Dublin University)I am aware of the wishes of the inhabitants of Kensington mentioned in this Question, and I am very glad to be able to inform my hon. Friend—who has, as I know, long taken an active interest in the subject—that I have received a letter from the Lord Steward informing me that Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to concede to the First Commissioner of Works for the convenience of the public a detached garden adjoining the Bayswater Road, which forms a part of the grounds of Kensington Palace. At present, as many hon. Members are aware, there is an unsightly dead brick wall which shuts off the north-west corner of Kensington Gardens from the Bayswater Road, and the ground lying 923 immediately behind it remains part of the property reserved to the Crown: but now, in consequence of this gracious concession on the part of Her Majesty, I hope, as soon as the necessary arrangements eau be made, that the wall will be removed and the plot of ground will be thrown into Kensington Gardens. In this way, not only will the beauty of the gardens be greatly increased, but there will be much more convenient access to the Gardens than before.