HC Deb 05 July 1948 vol 453 cc32-3
65. Mr. Vernon Bartlett

asked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that the illustrated plates designed to enable visitors to identify wildfowl on the lake in St. James's Park have not been replaced since the war; and will he carry out the restoration of these aids to nature lovers in London.

Mr. Key

The illustrated wildfowl plates have not been removed from St. James's Park. Eight of the plates were smashed during the war, but seven have been repaired. Most of the labels, however, are missing, but steps are being taken to replace the plates by new and improved designs.

Mr. Bartlett

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask him if he will bear in mind that in some cases the plates are there with no names, and in other cases the names are there with no pictures? Could not the matter be put right in a day or so?

Mr. Key

I am afraid it is not so easy as that. I have asked the special bird sanctuary committee, which I have recently appointed, to go into the question of preparing better plates for the job.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

Can the right hon. Gentleman give a guarantee that when all these changes have been made the wildfowl will still be there?

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the public are extremely grateful for the excellent posters put out by the London Passenger Transport Board drawing attention to these denizens of St. James's Park?