HC Deb 29 May 1919 vol 116 cc1394-5
23. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether any proposal has been under consideration to widen the herbaceous border in the front of Hampton Court Palace, involving an alteration in the width of the terrace and an interference with the architectural design by Sir Christopher Wren; and if he will undertake that no such interference shall be permitted without the sanction of Parliament?

27. Lieut.-Colonel ARTHUR MURRAY

asked whether any orders were given for alterations to the Pond Garden and other gardens at Hampton Court Palace during the year 1918; and, if so, whether he will state the nature of such orders?

Sir A. MOND

A proposal has been suggested to widen the long borders in the front of Hampton Court Palace for my consideration but in no way interfering with any architectural design of Sir C. Wren. No orders for the alterations to any of the gardens at Hampton Court Palace have been given during the year 1918. Owing to the exigencies of the War a number of flower beds have been turfed over. Various proposals for improvements to the gardens at Hampton Court, involving the suppression of a certain number of flower beds under the yew trees and the rearrangement of other flower beds were submitted to my predecessor in office, and received his conditional approval. These are being referred by me to a committee of horticultural experts for consideration and report.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

Will the right hon. Gentleman give us the names of this committee before he finally sets it up?

Sir A. MOND

As soon as the committee has been arranged I will publish the names. The request is a very unusual one. I am appointing the committee to advise me and it is my own responsibility.

Colonel ASHLEY

Is it necessary to have this committee? Would it not be better to revert to the 1914 condition?

Sir A. MOND

I think it very necessary to have a report from the committee, so that I can come to a decision.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware of the real desire there should be no change?

Sir A. MOND

I understand that that is not the view of a great many very qualified persons.

Mr. ROSE

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the propriety even at this late hour of letting well alone?