MR. B. C. VERNON WENTWORTH (Brighton)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works why, in view of the pledges of Her Majesty's Government to appoint to suitable posts soldiers of the Reserve, the charge of the two new lodges of Richmond Park, at Roehampton and Clarence Gates, has been given to civilians?
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKSI have to state in reply to my hon. Friend that the appointment of gatekeepers in Richmond Park does not rest with me or with the Government, but is solely within the discretion of H.R.H. the Ranger.
§ MR. A. M. BROOKFIELD (Sussex, Rye)Can the right hon. Gentleman state whether similar posts within the gift of the right hon. Gentleman have recently been given to civilians?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! Notice must be given of that Question.
§ MR. J. G. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)As a matter of information, is the Ranger of the Park a soldier himself?
§ [No Reply.]
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLIS he not? [Several HON. MEMBERS: Yes.]