§ 79. Major WHELERasked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether the supply of bedding-out plants for the London parks is open to competition by tender by nurserymen; if not, by what means the plants are obtained; and what is the annual cost of the bedding-out in Hyde Park, St. James's Park, and the Green Park?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir J. GILMOUR (for the First Commissioner of Works)No precise answer can be given, as the cost of bedding plants out in these parks cannot be separated from outlay for lawns, shrubberies, trees, footpaths, and general maintenance, upon which the staff is also employed. The wages of the staff employed on these services in the three parks in question for the year 1920–21 amounted to £46,000, inclusive of War bonus. All the plants are raised by the park staff.