§ MR. SKEWES-COX (Surrey, Kingston)To ask the hon. Member for North Huntingdonshire, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether he is aware of a proposal to embank and enlarge an osier bed, known as Lot's Eyot, in the Thames immediately opposite the principal riverside entrance to Kew Gardens, Queen Elizabeth's Lawn, and Palace, and to construct on the eyot a dock and iron sheds for building and repairing barges; whether the Board of Agriculture, in the interests of the amenities of Kew Gardens and the enjoyment of the public, has communicated its views to the Thames Conservancy: and, if so, with what result.
(Answered by Mr. Ailwyn Fellowes.) An application by the Thames Lighterage Company for permission to enlarge Lot's Eyot and to construct a barge dock on its south-east side has been made to the Thames Conservancy, but I believe that no decision has as yet been arrived at with respect to it. We have for some 1157 time past been in communication with the Conservancy and other public bodies on the subject, and have represented to them that the erection of works as proposed would seriously affect the repose and quiet of Kew Gardens, a unique national establishment which has a strong hold on the affections of the public.