§ 60. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether his attention has been called to the untidy and unkempt condition of the un-mown lawns at the eastern end of Hyde Park, between Grosvenor and Stanhope Gates, during the past two months; whether he can see his way to restore at any rate some of the flower beds which used to give pleasure to the public prior to the War; and, failing the planting of these beds by his Department, whether he will allow leading florists to give exhibits of their plants in these beds?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONThe condition of the lawns is due to the fact that, as the hon. Member is aware, bulbs have been planted which give a most attractive display in Spring and which prevent the grass being mown until they have died down. The area is not a good one for the cultivation of flowers owing to the tar dust which is very destructive to them; and the cost at present prices of restoring the old beds, even if the site were suitable, would be very heavy. The suggestion as to florists' exhibits has already been explored, but the First Commissioner does not consider it desirable.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs it not a fact that these bulbs could be accommodated under trees elsewhere, and that they are only in flower for a few weeks, while the lawns have been in this untidy state for nearly two months? Could not a place be found for the bulbs elsewhere and the flower beds be restored to something like their pre-War condition?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONThe real objection is that this tar dust is very destructive to the flowers and if they were removed they would have to be replanted—I had an interview with the bailiff this morning — at least three or four times every year.
§ Mr. J. JONESWill the Government consider the advisability of appointing the hon. Member for Kensington South (Sir W. Davison) as Chief Ranger of the Parks?