§ Mr. E. L. Mallalieuasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the number of intending visitors to Kew Gardens who are turned away because accompanied by dogs, and of the absence of any apparent reason why dogs on a lead should not be admitted, he will consider amending the rules in this respect.
Mr. T. WilliamsNo. The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are a scientific institution, not a public park, and the regulations are designed to permit the fullest enjoyment of the Gardens by the public that is consistent with the adequate safeguard of the scientific specimens they contain.
If dogs on leads were allowed into the Gardens, there would be no assurance that the owners would continue to keep them under control, and the risk of possible resultant damage to the valuable plants is not one that could justifiably be taken. I am advised that the number of visitors who are refused admission because they are accompanied by dogs is very small indeed.