73. Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the means of livelihood of many poor people and the existence of a valuable breed of forest pony are being threatened by the numbers of ponies killed and fatally injured by reckless motorists on the roads of the New Forest; 1301 whether an inspector of the Board of Agriculture held an inquiry into the subject last year; if so, what was the nature of his Report, and of his recommendations to the Board; and whether any steps are being taken to put a stop to reckless driving and to remedy the present state of affairs?
Sir A. BOSCAWENRepresentations were made to the Minister last autumn on this matter, and an Inspector was instructed to make enquiries on the spot. It appears from his report that a number of ponies are killed and injured by motors, and the Minister much regrets the unfortunate losses, and will be glad to consider any practicable proposals for remedying this evil. He has suggested that the county council should be asked to increase the police patrol in the New Forest with a view to preventing reckless driving, so far as it is possible to do so, and the R.S.P.C.A. have put up warning notice boards at selected spots.
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYCan the right hon. Gentleman inform us of the nature of the Inspector's Report and recommendations?
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs it not possible to fence in the roads?