§ 86. Mr. H. Fraserasked the Minister of Works if he has considered the removal and replacement of the avenues of elm trees in Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park.
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§ Sir D. EcclesYes. As my hon. Friend is aware, old elm trees are liable to drop branches without warning and in the interests of safety many of those in Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park have had to be lopped to an extent which makes them unsightly. There is also evidence that the root systems of many of them are becoming unsound. The elms flanking the Broad Walk, Kensington Gardens, and the North, South and West Carriage Drives, Hyde Park, ought to be removed in the next few years and I propose to make a start with the Broad Walk this autumn. I am taking expert advice on the types of trees to be used in replanting these avenues.