HC Deb 17 April 1885 vol 297 cc17-8
MR. HEALY

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, By what right the officers of the Dublin Garrison have caused warnings to be erected requesting riders to keep off what they call "the Polo Ground" in the Phoenix Park, who made this plot a Polo Ground, how many acres does it contain, who allowed it to be railed off as such, is it not one of the finest levels in the entire Park, how much is now railed off in inclosures for the use of cricketers and polo players in the Phoenix Park, and are there any such privileges accorded to cricket and polo clubs in Hyde Park and Regent's Park?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I am unable to answer the last query of the hon. Member, and the entire Question is one which should properly have been addressed to my hon. Friend the Secretary to the Treasuary, the control of the Phoenix Park being vested in the Commissioners of Public Works. However, I have ascertained from the Commissioners that the ground on which the game of polo is played is about seven acres in extent. It is not enclosed, but the Commissioners have permitted barriers to be erected which consists of posts and handrails on two sides of the ground, to protect from accident the public who assemble there in large numbers to see the game played. These barriers are so constructed as to admit of removal if necessary when the game is not being played. The notice to which the hon. Member refers is not a warning but a request, and the Commissioners have not, therefore, objected to it. There are five cricket grounds in the Park—some, I believe, for working men's clubs—containing about 15 acres altogether.

MR. HEALY

I beg to give Notice that when the Vote in reference to Phoenix Park comes on in Committee of Supply I shall call attention to the continual encroachments on public property by the snobs and swells of Dublin Garrison. [Cries of "Order, order!"]

MR. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is quite out of Order. The hon. Member must withdraw that expression. It is not a proper or Parliamentary expression to be used in this House.

MR. HEALY

made no reply.

MR. SPEAKER

Does the hon. Member withdraw the expression?

MR. HEALY

took off his hat and bowed.