HC Deb 19 June 1924 vol 174 c2319
57. Mr. BECKER

asked the Minister of Agriculture under what statutory authority he has excluded Mr. Austin Farmer from gaining admittance to Kew Gardens; does this present restriction only apply for a definite period; and, if so, what is this period?

Mr. SMITH

My right hon. Friend is advised that no statutory authority is, or was, required for the exclusion of Mr. Austin Farmer. The restriction is not for any definite period.

Mr. BECKER

Has the Minister the power to prevent an individual going into a place like Kew Gardens for the rest of his life time?

Mr. SMITH

I understand that entry to Kew Gardens is by permission of the Crown, and the Minister has exercised his discretion in that respect. I might also point out that Mr. Farmer has been prosecuted on one occasion, and that on that occasion the Mayor, who was in the chair, advised him not to go to the gardens again.