74. Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAYasked the First Commissioner of Works whether any expression of opinion has reached him from public bodies or individuals urging alterations to the pond garden or other gardens at Hampton Court Palace; whether any scheme of alterations has been submitted to him and, if so, by whom and for what reasons; whether he has considered any scheme of alterations and, if so, what is its nature; whether any alterations at all to the Pond Garden or other gardens are either necessary or desirable; and, if so, what alterations has he in mind?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Sir Alfred Mond)No suggestions for alterations to the Pond Garden or other gardens at Hampton Court Palace have reached me from public bodies. Inasmuch as a large number of beds had to be suppressed during war-time, on ac count of scarcity of labour and public economy, I have had certain suggestions for improving the general lay-out of the gardens submitted for my consideration. Before actually adopting any of the proposals, I have decided to appoint a small committee of horticultural and landscape garden experts to advise on the whole question.
§ Sir A. MONDNo.
§ Major LANE-FOXIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very great and strong feeling on the part of all sections of the community against any alterations?
§ Sir A. MONDI have seen a very large number of inaccurate statements in the Press. I suggest you had better wait and Bee what the proposals are.
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYBefore any alterations are carried out, will the right 386 hon. Gentleman place a plan of the suggested alterations in the Tea-room of this House?
§ Sir A. MONDI shall be delighted.