§ Sir L. SCOTTasked the hon. Member for Monmouth as representing the Forestry Commissioners, how many gates in to the enclosures in the New Forest have been locked since the beginning of the year; how many padlocks have been bought; what is the cost of the padlocks and chains; and why, in view of the provisions of the New Forest Act, 1877, the locking of gates across ancient highways and footpaths through the enclosures has been carried out?
§ Sir L. FORESTIER-WALKER654 padlocks have been bought of which 653 have been issued in replacement of old padlocks which are being used elsewhere than in the New Forest. The cost, of each padlock was 2s. 8d.; the chains were not purchased by the Department but similar chains have been bought for 1s. 1d. each. Section 7 of the New Forest Act, 1877, provides that the enclosures are free from all rights of common, and from all other rights, privileges, and claims whatsoever, except a right of the public to use any public highway. No public highway has been closed by the locking of gates or otherwise.