§ 41. Sir ERNEST WILDasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Epping Forest Commissioners have decided to evict the allotment-holders from the Wanstead Flats at the end of this year; whether such decision is causing widespread dismay and a feeling of deep resentment; and whether he will use his good offices with the commissioners to induce them to reconsider the matter?
SIR A. BOSCAWENYes, Sir. I am aware of this decision of the Epping Forest Commissioners which the Board think is most regrettable, but as stated in the answer given on the 5th instant to my hon. Friend the Member for West Woolwich (Sir Kingsley Wood) the Board have no power to control the discretion of the City Corporation under their Defence of the Realm Powers.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the West Ham Corporation, of which I happen to be a member, are considering the advisability whether they will or will not issue these orders for eviction?
Sir A. BOSCAWENI have heard that, and it is a matter that is within the duty of the West Ham Corporation.
§ Mr. THORNEWell, we have given you warning.
§ Brigadier-General COLVINIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in many instances the allotments do not interfere at all with the playgrounds and football green on Wanstead Flats, and could not a compromise be effected between the football players and the allotment-holders?
Sir A. BOSCAWENI have already said that we regret this decision, but we have no power to compel the Epping Forest Commissioners to alter it. As far as we are concerned, we think that open spaces should be for the general public for sports and recreation, but in this particular case we believe that there is room for both.