Garden Centres

Baroness Jolly Excerpts

Wednesday 29th April 2020 Lords Chamber

[The Lord Speaker]

Did I hear the noble Baroness, Lady Jolly, trying to get in?

[Baroness Jolly (LD)]

Yes, thank you. I would like to thank those garden centres that continue to serve customers by delivering both plants and seeds, either by post or carrier. Rumours that garden centres—

[Lord Leigh of Hurley (Con)]

My Lords—

[The Lord Speaker]

Lord Leigh, can you stay off the phone, please?

[Baroness Jolly]

There are rumours that garden centres are to reopen soon, which would be good for customers wanting to choose their plants—good for garden centres and customers. It is an easy place to keep social distance and it is good for our mental health. Will the Minister tell the House what is holding back the decision?

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

As I said, this is subject to the five tests that the Government have set in terms of dealing with the health crisis. I have been working on ensuring with the HTA that, when it is deemed correct, we are in a position to open and for garden centres and nurseries to fulfil what I agree is a great function to help with our well-being.