§ MR. LABOUCHEREI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that leave has been refused by the Commissioners of Woods and Forests to the Officers of the Horse Guards to play polo on about six acres of Windsor Park, which a few years since was put in good condition for the game at the expense of the entire regiment; and, in view of the great pleasure which the sight of this game gives to many inhabitants of the locality, and its healthful character, he will use his influence with the Commissioners of Woods and Forests to allow it to be played on these six acres?
§ * MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI am sorry that I am unable to relieve my hon. Friend's anxiety on this point, as the War Department has nothing whatever to do with it. Perhaps he will try how he may succeed with the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
§ MR. LABOUCHEREPerhaps the Secretary to the Treasury can reply?
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTThe giving or withholding of leave to play polo in the Windsor Great Park is a matter which 1277 rests with the Ranger, and not with the Commissioners of Woods. It is understood that, prior to 1889, polo was always played on a site known as the cavalry exercising ground; but in that year, in consequence of the Royal Agricultural Show being held on that ground, special permission was given to use another site known as the review ground. There is no desire to prohibit polo playing, but the cavalry exercising ground having been now restored, players are, it is believed, requested now to revert to the original ground, and in this request the Commissioner of Woods, who has been consulted, concurs.