New Forest (Deer Hunting). (Hansard, 1 June 1911)

§ Mr. GEORGE GREENWOOD
asked the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Commissioners of Woods and Forests, whether licences to hunt deer in the New Forest are now from time to time granted by the Crown; and, if so, under what Statute such licences are granted, in view of the fact that the right of the Crown to keep deer in the forest was absolutely extinguished by the New Forest Deer Removal Act, 1851?

§ Mr. HOBHOUSE
No formal licences under any Act of Parliament are granted to hunt deer in the New Forest, but since 1883 no objection has been taken to the hunting.

§ Mr. G. GREENWOOD
Are licences granted as a fact, and are deer hunted in the New Forest?

§ Mr. HOBHOUSE
No. I do not think any licence is required.

§ Mr. WATT
Will the right hon. Gentleman say in whom the property in these deer is vested?

§ Mr. HOBHOUSE
That, again, is a legal question to which I am not prepared to give an answer.

§ Mr. G. GREENWOOD
Will the right hon. Gentleman take the advice of the Law Officers of the Crown as to whom the property in these deer is now vested?

§ Mr. HOBHOUSE
No, Sir.