§ SIR HENRY HOAREsaid, he would beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works, Whether he intends taking any steps to restore and preserve the grass in the open spaces of St. James's Park, and otherwise to improve its condition; and, whether, in his opinion, the guardianship and supervision of the Park might not be rendered more efficient, with the view to prevent its being the resort of vagrants, paupers, and criminals?
§ MR. LAYARD, in reply, said, that steps were taken to preserve and renew the grass; but, as his hon. Friend was aware, it was very difficult to keep it in order, as a large number of poor people resorted to the Park during the summer, and derived great enjoyment from sitting on the grass—an enjoyment which he (Mr. Layard) would be the last to wish to curtail. The Parks would this year, for the first time, be placed under the supervision of the police, who would endeavour to keep out improper characters; but, as his hon. Friend was aware, it was not always possible to detect a criminal by his dress.