HC Deb 14 June 1915 vol 72 cc481-3
10. Mr. RONALD McNEILL

asked the Home Secretary whether Prince Minister, aide-de-camp to the German Emperor, is the owner of Maresfield Park, Sussex; whether this property, with a valuable herd of cattle in the park, is being preserved intact for its enemy owner; and whether it is proposed to make full use of its resources for the benefit of British subjects?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Simon)

The Maresfield Park Estate is now in the custody of the Public Trustee, who is administering it in the interests of this country under the provisions of the Trading with the Enemy Amendment Act, 1914. He informs me that there is no herd of valuable cattle in the park. The four cows there are of the ordinary kind, and are doing their utmost for the benefit of British subjects.

Mr. BUTCHER

Are all the rooms in this House placed at the disposal of the officers?

Sir J. SIMON

I think there is a question on that subject addressed to the Under-Secretary of State for War.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if the Government will consider the advisability of making all parks available for the benefit of the British public?

Mr. SPEAKER

That question does not arise.

Sir ARTHUR MARKHAM

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that large quantities of game are being reared by these aliens, Baron Schroeder and others, and taking the food which ought to be required for the people?

Mr. SPEAKER

Baron Schroeder does not live at Maresfield Park.

28. Mr. R. McNEILL

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether Maresfield Park, Sussex, is the property of Prince Münster, aide-de-camp to the German Emperor, serving in the German Army, and has been requisitioned for the use of British troops who are quartered there; whether the best rooms in the mansion are closed to officers, who have to live three in a room in the servants' quarters and to mess in the servants' hall; whether the woods in the grounds are still under the care of Prince Münster's steward, who forbids officers and men to trespass in them for fear of disturbing Prince Münster's pheasants; and whether he will forthwith give orders that the entire house and grounds shall be at the unrestricted disposal of the British officers and men quartered there?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Tennant)

The mansion at Maresfield Park, Sussex, is in occupation by a brigade Headquarters staff, and by the officers of one Yeomanry regiment. Two Yeomanry regiments are encamped in the park. The whole of the accommodation required is available and is utilised. The officers are comfortably housed, and do not mess in the servant's hall, but in a large room most suitable in every way, the dining-room being too small for the purpose. The woods of the estate are placed out of bounds to the troops for military and disciplinary reasons. I am informed that there are no pheasants there.