MR. JAMES LOWTHER (Kent, Thanet)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, whether a memorial has been received signed by the Mayor of Lichfield as chairman of a public meeting 1256 at which the said memorial was unanimously adopted, praying that the privilege of holding races upon land belonging to the War Department which has been enjoyed for nearly two centuries should not be withdrawn; whether the prayer contained in the memorial has also been supported by all the ex-mayors who are still members of the corporation, as well as by leading representatives of all classes of citizens; and, what action it is intended to take in the matter?
§ * MR. BRODRICKThe Secretary of State has received a memorial of the character indicated in the Question. He has also received a memorial signed by the Bishop of the diocese and a large number of the inhabitants of Lichfield praying that the Lichfield races may be discontinued. It was intimated to the race committee in 1890 by the then Secretary of State that at the termination of five years the privilege of holding the meeting on Government land would be withdrawn. The five years expired in 1894; and the late Secretary of State, as a special concession, agreed that one more meeting (that of last spring) should take place, on the distinct understanding that no further application would be entertained. It appears that in spite of this intimation a fixture has been obtained for an autumn meeting without reference to the War Department, notwithstanding the reply in this House on May 13 last. The decision to put a stop to the meeting was arrived at after full inquiry into the circumstances. The military authorities are of opinion that the holding of this meeting at the very gates of the barracks is most undesirable. The barracks have recently been enlarged, and the increase in the number of troops which will be accommodated in them will be a considerable gain to the tradesmen of Lichfield. As it is evident that opinion is much divided, Lord Lansdowne does not feel that he would be justified in altering the decision arrived at by his predecessors.
MR. JAMES LOWTHERMay I ask my hon. Friend whether, amongst the persons whom he describes as military authorities, he includes the paymaster of the district, and, if so, whether he is aware that that gentleman is a very prominent member of the Anti-Gambling League. ["Oh,"and laughter.]
§ * MR. BRODRICKNo, Sir, I should not describe him as one of the military authorities, and I did not know that he had any connection with the Anti-Gambling League.