§ Mr. GEORGE GREENWOODasked 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. HOBHOUSENo 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. GREENWOODAre licences granted as a fact, and are deer hunted in the New Forest?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSENo. I do not think any licence is required.
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThat, again, is a legal question to which I am not prepared to give an answer.
§ Mr. G. GREENWOODWill 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. HOBHOUSENo, Sir.