HC Deb 19 May 1892 vol 4 cc1296-7
MR. EDWARD HOLDEN (Walsall)

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works if he will explain why Kew Gardens are not open to the public until 12 noon, and whether there is any sufficient reason, and, if so, what and why, such places should not be opened some hours earlier; and in view of the fact that the official Guide to the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens at Kew has been for some years out of print, that plans are issued and sold containing reference to this Guide, that daily inquiries are made for it, will he state what steps have been taken either for a reprint or new edition?

*MR. PLUNKET

The reason why Kew Gardens are not open to the public until noon is that the earlier hours are regarded as a time set apart for students, but anyone desiring admission for scientific, artistic, or pro- fessional purposes can easily obtain an order from the Director. A new edition of the Guide is now nearly ready, and will be issued, we hope, in the course of the summer. It had become necessary to practically re-write it, for the purpose of making additions to it.

MR. JOHN ELLIS (Nottingham, Rushcliffe)

The right hon. Gentleman gave a precisely similar answer about fourteen months ago.

*MR. PLUNKET

About the Guide?

MR. JOHN ELLIS

Yes.

*MR. PLUNKET

Well, I hope the hon. Member who asks the same question now will be more fortunate.