§ 44. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the First Commissioner of Works if he will consider restoring the flower beds which prior to the War used to beautify the eastern end of Hyde Park; and whether, if he is prevented by the expense involved, he will allow firms of British florists to have the use of the old flower beds for displays of flowers under proper supervision from the Office of Works?
§ Mr. LANSBURYI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on the 6th July, 1925, to the effect that the area is not a good one for the cultivation of flowers, owing to the tar dust which is very destructive; that the cost of restoring the old beds, even if the site were suitable, would be very heavy; and that the suggestion as to florists' exhibits had been explored but was not considered desirable. In these circumstances I regret that I am unable to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.
§ Sir W. DAVISONWill the right hon. Gentleman say why it was not considered desirable to let our splendid florists have a chance of advertising their flowers, as they do at the Chelsea Show and elsewhere, under the supervision of the Office of Works?
§ Mr. LANSBURYI understand that full inquiries were made into this matter by my predecessor, and the suggestion was found quite impracticable for the reasons given here, and also owing to the florists not showing any disposition to do what the hon. Member suggests that they should do.