HC Deb 29 November 1948 vol 458 cc1606-7
4. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Works what researches his Department has made as to the best kind of hedge to replace iron railings round London parks and gardens; and with what result.

Mr. Key

A number of experimental plantings have been made of both' evergreen and deciduous species. I will let any hon. Member interested have a list. The trial, to be effective, must be a fairly long one, but it is already clear that shrubs such as barberry, cotoneaster and forsythia will not be robust enough. Of evergreens, it looks, I am glad to say, as if yew and holly will stand up to the wear and tear of London park conditions.

Mr. Keeling

Will the Minister publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the full list, if possible not only in Latin, but also in English? May we take it that he is trying to find a substitute for the rather uninteresting privet which surrounds most London gardens at the present moment?

Mr. Key

Yes, Sir. Our experiments are for that purpose. I will certainly, publish the list.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

The Minister mentioned yew just now. Has he taken into account that this is a particularly slow-growing hedge?

Mr. Key

Yes, Sir. We are using yew in places where there is not the necessity for great height in a short time.