§ MR. OLIVEIRAsaid, he wished to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether it was intended to remove the old dilapidated shops which deface Hyde-park from Albert-gate eastward; what the tenure of the present occupants of those shops might 430 be; and whether parties might not be found ready to undertake the removal of these objectionable buildings, and to improve the locality without entailing any expense on the Government; also, whether a carriage drive should not be constructed through Hyde-park from or near Victoria-gate to Rotten-row, near Princes-gate; and whether the removal of the cavalry barracks from Knightsbridge was under consideration, by which the public enjoyment of that portion of Hyde park would be much enhanced, and a great benefit conferred upon the residents in that locality?
§ SIR WILLIAM MOLESWORTH,in reply to the first question, said that the houses to which the hon. Member had called his attention, were held under lease of the Dean and Chaper of Westminster; that the lease would expire in about fifty-six years from this time; that the Dean and Chapter had refused to renew the lease; and that it was their intention if they could buy the property at a reasonable price, to make important improvements. To the second question he had given an answer last night, when he stated that he doubted whether it would be expedient to make a carriage drive, because, although such a drive might be advantageous to those who went in carriages, it would not be so advantageous to foot passengers. With regard to the third question respecting the cavalry barracks at Knightsbridge, he wished to inform the hon. Member that the subject was not under the consideration of the Government.