HC Deb 14 July 1904 vol 138 cc45-6
MR. CLANCY (Dublin County, N.)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether inquiry has been made as to the number of their customers within Phoenix Park, Dublin, of all traders, as well as of Mr. Henry Baggot, who has been refused a pass for his van through the park ostensibly because of the insufficient number of his customers in that locality.

TIIE FINANCIAL SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY (Mr. VICTOR CAVENDISH,) Derbyshire, W.

No, Sir. Such inquiry is only made when the use made of the permit or other evidence in the possession of the Commissioners of Public Works raises a presumption that the permit is no longer required.

MR. CLANCY

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury what is the †See (4) Debates, cxxxvii., 167. date of the regulation made by the Board of Works in Dublin providing for passes for tradesmen's vans passing through Phoenix Park; and whether a copy of it will be laid upon the Table of the House.

MR. VICTOR CAVENDISH

There is no such formal regulation as the hon. Member suggests. The management of the Park is vested by statute in the Commissioners of Public Works, and it has always been their practice to exclude tradesmen's vans unless some special justification was proved to exist.

MR. CLANCY

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that, in the case of Mr. Henry Baggot, the pass asked for by him and refused for the entry of his vans into Phoenix Park, Dublin, would I enable those vans to enter by a public entrance within a few yards of his establishment, and that either of the alternative entrances would mean an additional journey for his horses and vans of nearly three miles; and, if so, whether he can reconsider the decision in Mr. Baggot's case.

MR. VICTOR CAVENDISH

As I have already stated, tradesmen's vans are excluded from the Park in the absence of some special justification for using it. It is not desirable that the Park roads should be used as thoroughfares for trade purposes; but if Mr. Baggot can show that he has customers in the Park requiring the use of a van a permit will be given to him.

MR. CLANCY

Am I to take it then that if Mr. Baggot gives the names of his customers in the Park he will get the permit from the Board of Works.

MR. VICTOR CAVENDISH

Yes, if it is shown he has business there the permit will be issued to him.