HC Deb 25 October 1906 vol 163 cc427-8
LORD R. CECIL (Marylebone, E.)

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works what is the reason for the alteration of the fencing of Regent's Park, and to what extent such alteration is proposed to be carried; and whether it is possible to preserve the present fencing, and so avoid destroying a valued feature of the locality. †See (4) Debates, clx.,38.

MR. HARCOURT

The timber fence is so decayed as to be past repair: it is only proposed at present to replace some 480 yards of it with iron fencing, it being impossible to erect a new oak fence except at very great expense.

In answer to a further Question the right hon. Gentleman said that the best portions of the fence which had been removed were utilised for repairing the remainder of the fence.

LORD R. CECIL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a considerable amount of feeling in the locality on this subject? Will he stay further operations until Parliament has had an opportunity of discussing it?

MR. HARCOURT

When the work has been completed the people in the locality will be in a better position to express an opinion.

LORD R. CECIL

Is Parliament to have no control over the matter?

MR. HARCOURT

Parliament has control over my salary.