39. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the area occupied by the Royal Botanic Society in Regent's Park is nearly as large as that occupied by the Zoological Gardens; what area of the Botanic Society's premises is occupied by lawns, buildings, and scientific cultivation, respectively; and whether any conditions were inserted in the lease as to the objects to which the site was to be devoted and as to the granting of facilities of access to members of the public?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe area occupied by the Royal Botanic Society, Regent's Park, is little more than half that used by the Zoological Gardens. I am not able to say what area of the Botanic Society's premises is occupied by lawns, buildings, and scientific cultivation, respectively. The lessees are under a covenant which I quoted in answer to a similar question on 28th May last.
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the programme of events of the Royal Botanic Society for the months of May and June contains seven dog shows, and four evening fêtes with Fellows' dinners, and that there are only two events which can be called of a botanic or scientific nature?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am not aware of the engagements the Royal Botanic Society have entered upon for the use of the ground, but none of them are contrary to the covenant into which they entered when they took the lease.
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any infants in arms have been elected members of the society, and, if so, what provision has been made for them at the Fellows' dinners?