§ MR. C. B. HARMSWORTH (Worcestershire, Droitwich)To ask the First Commissioner of Works if he will state what steps have been taken to fulfil the promise that portions of Richmond Park should be thrown open to the public and that game preserving should cease; and if he is prepared to state whether any ground or woods have boon thrown open, and, if so, the acreage.
(Answered by Mr. L. Harcourt.) My attention has been drawn to certain inaccurate statements which have appeared on this subject. I am glad to be able to assure the House that they are absolutely without foundation. By direction of His Majesty game preserving in Richmond Park has entirely ceased since the death of the late Duke of Cambridge. A certain number of pheasants, partridges, and hares breed wild in the park, but no 713 game is preserved or shot. More than 100 acres of covert and paddock have been thrown open to the public, cricket and football grounds have been made, and a miniature rifle range has been established. It is hoped that it may be possible to make further additions to the park, but, as my hon. friend will readily understand, we are obliged to keep certain coverts closed in order to encourage the wild birds, which are one of the most charming and interesting features of the park.