MR. T. M. HEALYI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Board of Works sanctioned the statement in the advertisement in the Irish, Times of 20th July, issued by the "All Ireland Polo Club," that the rule that no one but members or their friends (the latter to be provided with properly filled in vouchers) will be admitted to the club enclosure, Phœnix Park, will in future be strictly carried out; if not, by what authority do private sportsmen claim to exclude the public from any portion of Phoenix Park; and, can precedent in England or Scotland be found for the handing over of portions of Royal parks to clubs, or for the exclusive amusement of individuals?
§ MR. RITCHIE (for Mr. HANBURY)My right hon. Friend asks me to say that the advertisement in question was not sanctioned by the Board of Works. 1476 In England and Scotland, as well as Ireland, clubs are occasionally allowed to erect pavilions or sheds for their own use in Royal Parks, and of course to exclude the public from them. Whether they should be allowed to exclude the public from the enclosure round the pavilion is a different matter, and my right hon. Friend agrees with the hon. Member that it might lead to abuses. In the case in question, however, he understands drat the enclosure is very small; but he will inquire into the matter further.