HC Deb 19 June 1939 vol 348 cc1809-11
58. Sir Herbert Williams

asked the First Commissioner of Works for what reason he proposes to abolish the freedom of the public to ride in the Royal parks; whether it is possible under the Parks Acts to impose charges for those riding in such parks; and whether he will withdraw for amendment that part of the draft Richmond Park Regulations recently submitted to Parliament which will enable the park authorities indirectly to impose such charges?

59. Mr. R. Morgan

asked the First Commissioner of Works under what authority riders will only be permitted in future, to use Richmond Park if they conform to certain conditions which impose charges, in view of the fact that under the Parks Regulation Acts, no charge may be imposed on users of the Royal parks?

The First Commissioner of Works (Mr. Ramsbotham)

The increase in riding has led to very considerable and growing damage to the park, especially in wet weather. In the interests of the general public and of the riders themselves, a track has been formed for the use of riders, after 12 noon at week-ends and at times when the rest of the ground is too wet for riding. On all other occasions they can ride where they please. New regulations are necessary to enable the control of riding to be carried out in a satisfactory manner. The imposition of a charge is made under the ordinary powers of the commissioners on behalf of the Crown as owner, and regulations are not required for this purpose. I should add that the cost of the riding track and of the repair of damage to the park is considerably more than is expected to be obtained from the riders, and it seems only fair that they should make some contribution to this heavy expenditure. I am discussing the draft regulations with those interested.

Sir H. Williams

Do not these charges at Richmond Park introduce a principle which does not operate in Hyde Park?

Sir William Davison

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these regulations, made by his predecessor, were entirely due to lack of consideration shown by a few riders who insisted on galloping in very wet weather, thereby injuring the turf, and is he aware that most riders are not at all displeased by these regulations?

Mr. Ramsbotham

I think the introduction of the track has not tended to decrease the number of riders but rather the reverse. The riding track was formed last year; the park was closed to riders only 10 times last year as compared with 27 times and 67 times respectively in the two previous years before the track was introduced. The legal position is that the public have no right of admission to the park except by grace of the Crown. Therefore, no right exists to bring horses into the park, and the Parks (Regulation) Act under which regulations are made are quite irrelevant to the question. Charges are made for golf, tennis and polo in the park, and it does not seem reasonable that riders should escape a charge.

Sir H. Williams

Will my right hon. Friend answer the question I put about fees in Hyde Park?

Mr. Speaker

We cannot spend too much time on one question.

Sir H. Williams

On a point of Order. I addressed a question to my right hon. Friend and my hon. Friend the Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison) intervened, with the result that my question was not answered.

Mr. Speaker

The reply was long, and it took a long time to read.