§ 43. Mr. DUNCAN MILLARasked the First Commisiosner of Works whether he has obtained any report as to the condition of the land in Richmond Park recently broken up and sown down in oats; whether the operations connected with the cultivation of this plot of land have been carried out successfully; and whether he can state the acreage under oats and the expense incurred in cultivating and fencing the land?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Sir Alfred Mond)I receive weekly reports on this subject. The operations of cultivation have been carried out successfully. Seventy-five acres have been placed under oats. The estimated cost is £696, including £424 for cultivation, £192 for manures, labour and horses, and £80 for threshing. The cost of fencing was £343.
§ Mr. MILLARHas the right hon. Gentleman visited the park himself, and can he vouch for the fact that the operations have been carried out successfully?
§ Sir A. MONDI visited the plot myself. I have a sample of the oats in a box here, and I am very pleased to tell the hon. Gentleman that the operations have proved very successful.
§ Mr. G. FABERWhat was the total acreage broken up—I understand that 75 acres were put down to oats?
§ Sir A. MONDThe total acreage is 75.
§ Mr. MILLARIs it not the case that there are large portions of the plot on which there is nothing growing at all?
§ Sir A. MONDNo, Sir. I think there is a small portion which, owing to the dry weather, has not been so successful as we-might wish.
§ Sir A. MONDI would sooner not answer that question until we have had the oats raised.