HC Deb 18 June 1891 vol 354 cc786-7
MR. LABOUCHERE

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that notices have recently been put up, prohibiting riders to use a largo portion of Bushey Park, and that Mr. John Cann, a member of the Surrey County Council and clerk of the East Molesey Local Board, has been fined for contravening this new bye-law; and whether he can say at whose desire these notices have been put up, and on what grounds?

MR. PLUNKET

Up to October, 1889, the rule as to riding in Bushey Park ran as follows:— 5. No person shall ride any horse except in the roads or in the avenues on either side of the road from Hampton Court to Teddington Gate. In 1889, in consequence of representations made by persons in the neighbourhood, the rule was altered. Persons were at first allowed to ride all over the park, except during the fawning season; but after nearly two years' experience it was found that so much injury was done to the deer, principally through the dogs accompanying riders, that it was deemed necessary to close one half of the park to equestrians.

MR. LABOUCHERE

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of doing away with the deer?

MR. PLUNKET

I think it would be a great pity to do away with the deer.