§ Mr. Mathewasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans for the future development of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
§ Mr. John HareThe Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, which this year celebrate their 200th anniversary, are a treasured national possession and Her Majesty's Government are considering what is required for their future development.
96WKew Gardens have been the direct source of important economic development throughout the Commonwealth, and their pre-eminence as a centre for botanical research is recognised throughout the world. On their future requirements I have obtained the valued advice of Sir Eric Ashby and a group of distinguished scientists.
A programme of development designed to ensure that the resources and equipment of the Gardens are brought up to date is being considered. Schemes to improve research facilities at Kew will take some time to mature, but I am confident that with their aid the Gardens will remain in the forefront of botanical research and continue to serve this country and the Commonwealth as they have done so long in the past.
To the general public the Gardens will continue as a place of beauty and tranquillity. To mark the bicentenary the amenities of the Gardens are being improved and, with the aid of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works, a new rose pergola is being built, the Palm House of Decimus Burton has been reconstructed and the Orangery of William Chambers is being restored: these two buildings will be re-opened early in June.