HC Deb 30 June 1882 vol 271 cc917-8
MR. W. H. JAMES

asked the First Commissioner of Works, Whether, by virtue of 24 and 25 Vic. c. 42, the plot of land in Regent's Park extending from York Gate to Hanover Gate, amounting to about thirteen acres, has passed under the control of the First Commissioner of Public Works; if he can state what legal rights remain by which this ground remains enclosed; and, whether, if they are no longer in existence, he would exercise his right of throwing the enclosure open for the advantage of the dense population of the neighbourhood?

MR. SHAW LEFEVRE

Sir, the 13 acres to which my hon. Friend refers are under the control of the Commissioners of Works, but by virtue of another Act of Parliament than that mentioned in the Question—namely, the 14 & 15 Vict. c. 42. This land has never been thrown open to the public as a part of Regent's Park, but has been reserved for the use of the householders in the neighbourhood on payment of a fee of one or two guineas a-year. My Predecessor, Mr. Adam, was very anxious to throw open this land to the public; but the occupiers of the adjoining houses under lease from the Crown objected. They were supported in their objections by the Commissioners of Woods and Forests; and the Treasury, to whom the matter was referred, held that the occupiers of these houses had a claim to the reservation of this land for their use, in the same manner as had always been the case from the time when their leases were granted to them.

MR. W. H. JAMES

asked whether they were to understand that the adjoining householders had an absolute legal right to this land?

MR. SHAW LEFEVRE

I very much doubt, Sir, whether they have an absolute legal right, for nothing is mentioned in the leases about it.

MR. O'KELLY

asked whether they were to understand from the answer of the right hon. Gentleman that this right was to be held in perpetuity to the householders?

MR. SHAW LEFEVRE

Not in perpetuity, but only during the term of the leases.

MR. HEALY

I wish to ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will recommend the Irish landlords to be as scrupulous about evictions as the Crown appears to be in this matter? ["Order, order!"]

MR. SPEAKER

The hon. Member has interposed with a Question which is not germane to that before the House. Such a proceeding is very irregular, and I am bound to take notice of it.