§ 8. Mr. Whitelawasked the Minister of Works how often the flowers and plants in the boxes on the Terrace of the House of Commons are changed.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works (Mr. Harmar Nicholls)The plants in these boxes are changed two or three times a year, depending on the weather.
§ Mr. WhitelawIs my hon. Friend aware that dead rhododendrons remained in those boxes for a week after we returned from the Whitsun Recess? Is this not rather surprising, in view of the very high standard usually shown in these matters, and will not my hon. Friend agree that it is most important for his Department to give an outstanding example of the highest standards of British horticulture in the House of Commons, as it undoubtedly does already all over the Royal Parks?
§ Mr. NichollsIt is generally agreed that the standard in the Royal Parks is particularly high, and I was glad that my hon. Friend said that the terrace is usually good too. On this occasion, I agree, the change could, perhaps, with some advantage, have been made earlier.