§ MR. J. H. YOXALL (Nottingham, W.)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works if he can now arrange for the Royal Gardens at Kew to be opened to the public at an earlier hour than noon; 14 and on what date the grounds surrounding the Queen's Cottage are to be formally added to the Kew Gardens?
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKSI have decided to admit the public to Kew Gardens (not including the plant houses) at an earlier hour than noon on weekdays in the ensuing months of June, July, August, and September. I shall thereby be in a better position to judge of the extent of the demand by the general public for this earlier opening. There are many details involved in this proposal, into which I am having inquiry made; and I hope to give further information in a few weeks' time. I hope that the Queen's Cottage Grounds may be formally added to Kew Gardens about the 1st of June, but cannot absolutely bind myself as to date.
§ MR. YOXALLCan the right hon. Gentleman state at what hour in the morning the Gardens will be opened?
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKSThat is really a question on which the Committee are now sitting. Perhaps the hon. Member will allow me to answer him in a few weeks' time.