THE EARL OF DUNRAVENasked Her Majesty's Government, Whether the Roehampton Gate of Richmond Park is barred to the public by a barrier across the road, within a few yards of the gate; and, if so, whether it is not advisable to close the Roehampton Gate until such time as the public are allowed access to that gate?
§ LORD SUDELEYI am sorry that I am unable to give the noble Earl much information on this subject at present. It is quite true that a barrier has been placed across the lane by Mrs. Prescott, the lady who owns that property, thus preventing the public having access to the Roehampton Gate. The First Commissioner of Works is in communication with His Royal Highness the Ranger, and the whole matter is now under consideration.
LORD ORANMORE AND BROWNEsaid, he thought that the public would be glad to buy up the lady's rights if she were willing to sell them. He understood that a few years back she would have accepted £2,000—a small sum, considering that the Roehampton Gate gave an access to Richmond Park two miles nearer than any other gate. Besides that, it was within half a mile of a railway station at Barnes Common. He was sure that the opening of the gate would be a great boon to every class of the public.