§ MR. BRYCEasked the First Commissioner of Works, Whether, as many inclosures have lately been made in Richmond Park, he will undertake that no further inclosures shall be made until the beginning of the next Session of Parliament; and, whether, considering that the rabbits have latterly increased so greatly in Richmond Park, that large parts of it have become unsuitable, and even unsafe, for riding, he will take steps to have the number of rabbits in the Park sensibly reduced?
§ LORD FREDERICK CAVENDISHThe plantations recently made in Richmond Park were for the purpose of replacing the old trees, many of which are fast going to decay. The sites chosen for these plantations have been chosen with a view to maintain the character and beauty of the Park; and the spaces so enclosed are less in extent than those which have been thrown open to the public. The whole cost was recovered by the sale of the "thinnings," the proceeds of which are paid to the Exchequer as an extra receipt. The rabbits have, no doubt, increased in number owing to the exceptionally dry spring; but steps will, of course, be taken to reduce them.
§ MR. BRADLAUGHinquired, if the noble Lord could inform him, if it was true that the inclosures included more than one-fourth of the total area of the Park?
§ LORD FREDERICK CAVENDISHsaid, if the hon. Member gave him Notice of the Question, he would obtain the necessary information.