§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government, under what authority the public have been deprived of the use of a further large section of the Victoria Tower Gardens, for how long this encroachment is to continue, and whether a definite undertaking can be given that there will be no permanent interference with the amenities of this popular public resort, and, in particular, that none of the trees at the north end of the Gardens, in the neighbourhood of the Rodin statue of the Burghers of Calais will be felled or mutilated.]
§ LORD HENDERSONMy Lords, part of the Victoria Tower Gardens has been authorized for use as a builders' yard, and for a workmen's canteen, which are needed in connexion with the rebuilding of the House of Commons. No other practical site is in the vicinity. In addition, a much-needed permanent underground boiler house for the Palace of Westminster is to be constructed, with the agreement of the Lord Great Chamberlain, beneath Black Rod's Garden and a small adjacent portion of the Victoria Tower Gardens. The boiler house will be completely underground and oil-fired, and will in no way interfere with the amenities of the neighbourhood. The excavation for this purpose involves the removal of a few small trees and some shrubs from a point about twenty feet from the Rodin statue to the entrance to the Royal Court. This work is due to be complete by 1950, when the enclosed area will be restored and replanted to advantage.