§ SIR JOHN SWINBURNE (Staffordshire, Lichfield)asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether he is aware that 955 the keepers in Windsor Forest constantly turn back foot passengers who are using the green rides and roads through the Forest; whether there are numerous looked gates between the Forest and the high roads, and between portions of the Forest not communicating with the Park, or any place where deer are kept; and, whether the keepers receive their authority and instructions from the Commissioner of Woods and Forests; and, if not, why not?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)Her Majesty, in surrendering Windsor Park and the Forest as then existing, retained as her predecessors retained, the right of keeping deer and game and of appointing a Ranger, with the necessary staff. In order to prevent undue interference with the game or injury to the woods by persons using the Forest, and also in some cases to prevent the acquisition of rights of way, it may occasionally happen that persons are turned back. There is, however, but little restriction in the case of a considerable area of the Forest, which extends over about 14 square miles. In parts of the Forest adjoining the Park an outer deer fence is maintained to prevent deer from straying, and the gates in the outer fence are necessarily kept locked. The keepers are not under the control of the Commissioners of Woods, as they are appointed by Her Majesty and the Ranger.