MR. T. M. HEALYI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state the annual profit received by the Government from letting the Phoenix Park for grazing cattle, and whether any of the London parks are similarly let; is he aware that the bullocks in the Phoenix Park are not herded, but continually stray on the roads and paths, to the annoyance of the public; that filth from the cattle disfigures the walks; that they are allowed to trample down and dirt that portion of the sward of the park most used for games by the citizens; and that in the London parks sheep are introduced whenever it is necessary to eat down the grass; and whether any steps will be taken, by efficient herding, to prevent the Phoenix Park roads and walks from being obstructed and defiled by cattle.
§ MR. HANBURYThe average annual receipts from grazing rents in the Phoenix Park during the past five years wore £626 3s. 4d. There is no grazing in St. James's Park, but £64 a year is received for grazings in Hyde Park and the Green Park. No complaint has been received from the public with regard to the bullocks. The size of the park renders it impossible to prevent completely the straying of cattle on the roads, but every effort is made to keep the cattle off the roads (especially the main road) and preserve the cleanliness of the walks. No serious inconvenience with regard to games has arisen, and no complaint has been made. Sheep are introduced into some of the London parks to eat down the grass. A similar plan was tried in Dublin some years ago, but the grass did not suit sheep.
§ MR. HANBURYYes, Sir.