§ MR. SUMMERBELLI beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as 214 representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, if he is aware that a notice was recently given at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to the effect that Constable Brennan would be stopped six days' annual leave for being improperly dressed while on duty, and that such improper dress consisted only of Constable Brennan having taken off his heavy coat to take up the ashes from the fire-grate and to sweep the paths; and, if so, whether, in view of the character of the offence committed, he will consider the advisability of reducing the punishment.
§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEYThe form of punishment for offences generally at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is receiving the attention of my noble friend, but as the particular case to which his attention is now drawn occurred last year and the punishment has been carried out, it is not possible now, even if it were thought advisable, to reduce or alter it in any way.