§ MR. PEASEasked the First Commissioner of Works, Whether his attention has been called to the fact that the riding ground in Rotten Row is much out of repair, and in some places dangerous; and, what instructions are given to the park keepers and police as to loose dogs, which jeopardise the safety of those riding on horseback?
LORD HENRY LENNOXMy attention had been called some weeks ago to the unsatisfactory state of Rotten Row. The orginal mischief arose from very hard frosts with heavy falls of snow and rapid thaws. As soon as I was made aware of the state of things, orders were given, and for the last fortnight the whole of the staff connected with Hyde Park has been employed in trying to remedy the evil. I hope that when a little dry weather sets in, Rotten Row may be again found to be what it ought always to be. With respect to the second part of the Question, the hon. Member is not, perhaps, aware that the custody of Hyde Park is intrusted, not to the gate-keepers, but to the Metropolitan Police, and there is a clause in the Parks Regulation Act which enables them to stop loose dogs or loose riders, or, indeed, any other hotheaded persons 1207 who, in pursuit of their own pleasure, are likely to endanger the safety of the general public.