§ SIR ROBERT HOBARTI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether the attention of His Majesty's Commissioners of Woods and Forests has been drawn to the proceedings of the 470 deputy ranger of the New Forest, in causing the destruction of certain wooden buildings belonging to a working man, named Purkis, on the outskirts of Lynd-hurst, on the alleged ground that they were an encroachment on Crown lands; whether full compensation will be awarded to Purkis for the injury done to him; and whether instructions will be given to the Crown authorities to refrain from such action in the Now Forest on all such future occasions.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. MCKENNA,) Monmouth, N.It is the duty of the deputy surveyor to prevent encroachments upon forest lands by private owners. I am informed that in the present instance lie was careful to satisfy himself by investigation on the spot that an encroachment had been made and was gradually being extended. After persuasion had failed and duo warning been given the shod was removed. The attention of the Commissioner in charge of the Now Forest was recently drawn to the case and he also personally inspected the place and satisfied himself that an encroachment had been made.
§ MR. ATHERLEY-JONES (Durham, N.W.)What was the reason for making forcible entry on this poor man's property instead of taking legal proceedings in the usual way?
§ MR. MCKENNAI think the circumstances stated in my Answer justify the course taken.