§ Sir J. BUTCHERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the killing or maiming of ponies and other animals belonging to commoners in the New Forest owing to the reckless driving of motorists; whether it is possible to stop this cruelty, and the consequent loss to commoners, by imposing a speed limit upon motorists passing through the forest, or by placing toll-gates on the main road through the forest; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
Sir A. BOSCAWENMy Noble Friend, as Commissioner of Woods and Forests, has given this matter his most careful and sympathetic consideration, but has not yet been able to reach any definite conclusion as to a practical and effective remedy. No doubt the imposition of a special speed limit would help to reduce the casualties, but he has no powers enabling him to enforce this on public highways under the control of the local authority. He has, however, made representations to the Hampshire County Council, urging them to take into their immediate consideration the possibility of dealing with the matter on these lines.