MR. T. M. HEALYI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, with reference to the restrictions on cycling in the Phœnix Park, if the presence of bookmakers is a nuisance at these races, and the cause of their being stopped; why do not the police remove the offenders and put down betting; whether a depution of the Irish Cyclists' Association have assured the Board of Works that their Rules forbid betting, and that they severely punished offenders for such an infraction of their Rules; if so, why are their members to be deprived of a privilege because of the action of lawbreakers whom the police can cope with; and under what Statute are their sports to be curtailed?
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTAs already stated, in reply to my hon. and learned Friend's question of the 24th ultimo, no restrictions have been placed on ordinary cycling. The decision of the Board of Works not to give permission for races after this season was due to representations from the Commissioner of Police not only as regard the betting nuisance, but also as regards the danger to persons using the Park for ordinary purposes. The Irish Cyclists' Association have done their best to cooperate with the Board of Works in discouraging betting, but they appear to have been quite unsuccessful. I understand that the police will deal with any infraction of the law that occurs.
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTThe Board of Works do not intend to stop all cycling, but only racing.
§ MR. W. JOHNSTONIs there any power to arrest the law breakers?
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTYes, I believe there is such a power under the Dublin Police Act.
MR. T. M. HEALYCan the right hon. Gentleman state under what Statute the Board of Works proposes to exercise these powers?
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTI am told that if the police should be required to bring a case into Court the Acts under which it might be brought are the Dublin Police Act, the Summary Jurisdiction Act, and the Carriage Act. That is the only information given to me, and I cannot say whether it is correct.
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTI believe not.