HC Deb 29 April 1952 vol 499 c1198
6. Mr. John Tilney

asked the Minister of Works if he has yet come to a decision about the yew hedge which surrounds St. James's Park.

Mr. Eccles

Since I replied to my hon. Friend's Question on 11th March, I have received expressions of opinion in favour of removing the hedge and I have decided to start by grubbing up the hedge opposite the Horse Guards Parade. But the questions of the kind of fence to put in its place and the money to pay for this fence are still under consideration.

Mr. Tilney

Does my right hon. Friend realise that his decision will be received with great satisfaction by many people—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."]—who regard St. James's Park as the most lovely of all our English parks, and will he make certain that no fence is put in place of the yew hedge so that the public can have an uninterrupted view?

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

Is not the real trouble: What is the alternative? It is not far better to have a brushwood fence of some kind rather than iron railings which tend to isolate the park from those who seek to enjoy it and its amenities?

Mr. Eccles

The hedge does not perform the function for which it was intended, and anyone who looks at it opposite the Horse Guards Parade will see that it is a very miserable affair. I do not think that we could expect yew to grow underneath the trees. The height of the fence which must be put in its place is under consideration. I assure my hon. Friend that I am on the side of a low fence.