asked the Minister of Agriculture whether injury is being caused to vegetation in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, by the emission of black smoke from factory shafts in Brentford; and, if so, whether he will take legal steps to abate the nuisance similar to those successfully taken by the First Commissioner of Works in 1902, when Brentford smoke was shown to be causing serious injury to plant-life in the Royal Botanic Gardens?

My right hon. Friend's attention has been called to the injury being caused by smoke to vegetation in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and the matter is at present receiving his careful consideration.

In view of the pleasure that the gardens give to hundreds of thousands of people, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman take immediate and definite steps to see that the amenities of the gardens are preserved?

I will convey that to my right hon. Friend.