Sir W. JOYNSON HICKS(by Private Notice) asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is turning out from Richmond Park, an area of some 3,000 acres, 69 allotment holders, of whom 59 are ex-soldiers; whether he is aware of the great feeling in the neighbourhood; and whether he has refused to receive a deputation from the Corporation of Richmond.
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Sir Alfred Mond)The facts as stated by the hon. Member are substantially correct. Allotments in the Royal Parks were granted exceptionally during the War on grounds of national food 847 necessity, and it was always understood that they were of a purely temporary character.
In December last I received a deputation from the Parliamentary Committee on Allotments and the whole question of allotments in the Royal Parks was fully considered. It was then agreed that all allotments should be surrendered by Lady Day, 1921, and that no further question of extension would be raised. I regret therefore that I do not see my way in fairness to the other allotment holders in the Royal Parks to make any exception in this particular case.
I might add that two years have elapsed since the Armistice, and I do not feel justified in any longer alienating for the benefit of local allotment holders portions of the parks which are maintained out of public funds and exist for the recreation of the entire community. As a matter of fact, the Richmond Borough Council have applied for ground in Richmond Park for organised games and have been offered the use of the present allotment site when restored as being the most suitable for this purpose.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs not the food shortage just as bad as it was during the War?
§ Mr. W. THORNEYou did not say that in 1918 and 1919, did you?