GREEN PARK. (Hansard, 31 July 1840)

§ Mr. Baring Wall

said, that in making the motion of which he had given notice he did not mean to cast any reflection on the noble Lord at the head of the Woods and Forests; on the contrary, no one was more anxious than he was to compliment the noble Lord for his general management of the parks. He thought the public were greatly indebted to him for the increased facilities that had been given for admission to ^*Voted with the Ayes on the first division. 1186 Hampton Court, and for the improvements that had taken place in Hyde-park. In reference to this present motion, he understood that it was not the intention of the Commissioners of Woods and Forests to inclose any part of the Green-park, and he was glad that this was the case; for it might be considered the great play-ground of the people of London. The House would recollect that a committee had sat this year on the subject, and any hon. Member who had read their proceedings, would be convinced of the great evils that were caused by the want of open spaces in large towns. He was not the advocate of the rights or privileges of the higher classes; but of those classes to whom the open space in the Green-park was of great value. He did not think that there was much force in the objection of his hon. Friend (Mr. Stanley) as to the want of a proper police. If the police regulations were defective, there was no police so effective as a row of gas-lamps. He suggested that it would be desirable to have a row of gas-lamps on the outside fence, like those in St. James's-park. He had no objection to any new regulation of police that might be necessary, but he thought it strange that those persons who possessed houses between Piccadilly and St. James's-park should turn round on the Department of Woods and Forests (to whose kindness they were much indebted) and ask for additional police regulations. Why had they not keepers for their gardens, as was the case in the different squares in London. The hon. Member then suggested several improvements which he wished to see done—particularly a broad gravel walk from the reservoir to St. James's, and a foot gate opposite Devonshire-house. He had no wish to prevent kite-flying or ball-playing, or to deprive the boys of their only play-ground, but he objected very much to any inclosure. He hoped, therefore, that his hon. Friend would assure the House that there was no intention to make any inclosure on a large scale. It was more as a matter of form than with any intention to divide the House, that he moved for the production of plans with reference to any proposed alterations in the Green-park.