64. Lieut.-Colonel MOOREasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he has yet come to any decision in regard to the extension of the lease of the Botanic Gardens to the Royal Botanic Society?
§ Mr. LANSBURYIt was decided by the late Government that the general policy should be to aim at gradually bringing to an end the private enclosures in the public parks, and that steps should be taken, as leases fall in, to give effect to this policy. It is not proposed to alter that decision.
Lieut.-Colonel MOOREIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the area taken up by the Botanic Gardens is only 19 acres, in comparison with 400 acres that are open to the public?
§ Mr. LANSBURYIf it were the only area there would be something in the hon. and gallant Gentleman's argument, but there is a very considerable portion of the park taken up by private enclosures, and it is proposed, as the leases fall in, not to renew them.
Lieut.-Colonel MOOREHas the right hon. Gentleman considered any alternative location for the Botanic Gardens and the Botanic Society which will be equally suitable and will offer equal facilities for carrying on the invaluable work of the Society
§ Mr. LANSBURYWe have considered all the relevant facts. The Zoological Gardens will not be dealt with in that way.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENDo not the Botanic Gardens serve a high, scientific purpose for the good of the nation?