HC Deb 25 May 1932 vol 266 cc353-4
35. Mr. COLMAN

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether his attention has been called to protests of riders in Richmond Park against the proposed restriction on facilities available to them therein; and whether, in view of the fact that the present bad conditions of the turf is largely due to weather conditions, he will consider the advisability either of making the proposed restriction only of brief duration or of evolving a system of special riding tracks?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

My attention has been drawn to these protests and I can assure my hon. Friend that it is not my intention to use the powers I am proposing to take to any greater degree, or for longer priods, than is necessary to prevent the increasing disfiguration of large areas of the park. I am very doubtful whether the laying down of riding tracks, which in any case would be expensive, would be entirely in keeping with the rural character of the park.

Mr. COLMAN

I appreciate that the right hon. Gentleman does not want to close the park for a longer period than is necessary, but will he consider the possibility of constructing a sand track similar to Rotten Row, which would enable the grass to be rested for a greater part of the year?

Mr. ORSMBY-GORE

As I say, I have looked into the question, and I have found that it would be a very expensive thing to do, and I should have to be satisfied that persons who live near Richmond Park and use it would like to have a sand track in what is a very rural park.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Does not this question show that there are a great many individuals who would be better for having some decent work to do? Why not economise on someone else than the working class? Here is a class which does not work at all and requires exercise.