asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why Kew Gardens was closed to the public on 1st May bank holiday; and, in the light of the disappointment caused to many who travelled to Kew in vain, if he will ensure that the gardens remain open on bank holidays in the future.

I considered representations by the Civil Service Union that its members should enjoy the opportunity of a day off granted to their colleagues and agreed that Kew Gardens should be closed on May Day this year and in future years.Appropriate measures were taken to inform the public of the decision to close. The gardens are open on the other spring and summer bank holidays.