§ SIR C. W. DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works if he can explain what was the need for the recent cutting of great trees in Hyde Park near Albert Gate Mansions and Wellington Court; and whether it is intended to cut the remainder of the beautiful trees in the same line between the two sets of flats named?
§ * THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. H. GLADSTONE,) Leeds, W.The removal of about five trees 1007 near Albert Gate Mansions was sanctioned by my predecessors, and carried out before I came into Office. The condition of the removal was an annual contribution to the maintenance of some flower-beds, which were thought to be more appropriate' than the trees, which were very close to the houses. The branches of two other trees standing a few feet from Wellington Court had to be lopped to allow the building to be erected, and as they were no better than bare poles, I have had them cut down. I have no intention of removing any others.