asked the First Commissioner of Works whether it is necessary to retain the present spread-out area for the Nursery Lodge in the Botanic Gardens in Regent's Park; and whether a portion of the Nursery Lodge premises could be restored to the public for gardens by economising the space now covered by some of the glass-houses and buildings?

The area to which my hon. Friend refers is at present used for nursery purposes to its fullest capacity, and if the space available there were reduced its equivalent would have to be provided elsewhere in Regent's Park at considerable expense. While it may be decided eventually to clear this part of the Inner Circle Gardens, such funds as are available at present are being devoted to improvements in other parts which I consider more urgent.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this space is being used in a most practical manner and most efficiently at the present time?

I do not think we could possibly have a display of flowers in the Royal Parks without a propagating house. Its reduction would mean that there would be so many fewer plants.