23. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the First Commissioner of Works whether the ploughing of 100 acres in Richmond Park has now been completed; what it has cost up to date; what was the cost of the hire of the plough; and what is the cost of the deer fence and of its erection?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER Of WORKS (Sir A. Mond)Owing to the long spell of frost only about 22 acres of the 1656 65 to 70 acres to be cultivated have been ploughed. The cost of the work cannot be stated at present, but detailed accounts are being kept and will be furnished in due course.
§ Colonel LOCKWOODCan the right hon. Gentleman say what will be the prices of the commodities grown on this highly-cultivated ground—what will be their value?
§ Sir A. MONDI shall know when we get the crops.
§ Mr. PRINGLEIs there a guarantee of six years for the First Commissioner's crops?
Mr. SCOTTDid the right hon. Gentleman in his zeal undertake this work without any estimate of the cost?
§ Sir A. MONDNo. Sir. I had estimates of the cost from highly-skilled experts.
§ Sir A. MONDI cannot tell yet.
24. Mr. SCOTTasked whether the land to be ploughed up in Bushey Park has been let to a neighbouring farmer; if so, at what rent; was it put up to tender; was there any competition; and is the Government to have any share in the crops.
§ Sir A. MONDThe answer to the first question is in the negative; the other questions do not therefore arise.