HC Deb 05 July 1888 vol 328 cc422-3
MR. KIMBER (Wandsworth)

asked the First Commissioner of Works, Whether he can state what the proposition of the National Rifle Association as regards Richmond Park definitely is, so as to enable the inhabitants of the neighbourhood to judge how it will affect the Park and its surroundings, and to answer the proposition?

MR. AINSLIE (Lancashire, N. Lonsdale)

asked the First Commissioner of Works, Whether he will lay on the Table a copy of the 6th Ordnance Map of Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park, showing the position of the existing rifle butts and ranges on the former, and the proposed position of butts and ranges on the latter, and showing in each case the extent of the danger zone before and behind the butts; and, in the case of Richmond Park, the position of the trees proposed to be cut down, and of those liable to damage from the rifle shooting?

THE FIRST COMMISSIONER (Mr. PLUNKET) (Dublin University)

The Council of the National Rifle Association have not yet formulated in detail their proposals as to Richmond Park; but they have undertaken to give me within a short time, together with other information, a plan showing on a sheet, of the Ordnance Survey Map, the position and alignment of the firing stations, ranges, and butts, and the extent of the ground that would have to be enclosed. So soon as I receive that plan I shall consider whether it would be desirable to lay a copy of it on the Table.

MR. KIMBER

inquired, how long after the plans had been laid on the Table and information received by the right hon. Gentleman he would give the parties interested a right to be heard?

MR. PLUNKET

said, he did not know to whom the hon. Gentleman referred when he spoke of the parties interested; but he (Mr. Plunket) would consider the proposals of the National Rifle Association, and he would then decide whether other parties need be heard or not.

MR. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)

asked, whether the right hon. Gentleman would undertake not to come to any definite decision; and, before any expenditure that was requested was put on the Estimates, would he give the House an opportunity of coming to a decision on the point?

MR. PLUNKET

said, he would take care that opportunity for the expression of public opinion would be given before any alterations were made in the Park.