HC Deb 06 June 1919 vol 116 cc2442-4W
Mr. STURROCK

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that from 10 a.m. on Sunday, 1st June, large numbers of men, women and children, estimated by midday to several thousands, arrived at Kew with the intention of entering the gardens only to find that the gates were not to be opened until 1 p.m., and whether he can state the reason why, in midsummer, the gardens are closed against the public for half of the only day of the week that many families can go there?

Mr. PRATT

The Royal Botanic Gardens are a scientific institution in the administration of which regard must be had to other considerations than those that apply in the case of parks and public recreation grounds. Much work has to be carried out every day before the public-could be admitted, and any extension of the hours on Sundays would involve the performance of extra duty on the part of a large number of men, together with an additional charge upon public funds. The Board regret, therefore, that for reasons of public policy and expense, they do not see their way to alter the existing arrangements.