§ Sir H. NIELDasked the Minister of Health whether with reference to his reply to representations on the subject of the playing of games at Gunnersbury Park on Sunday, he will say upon what authority he acted in stating that the public have a right and are legally at liberty to play games in a public pleasure ground in the absence of a prohibitive by-law; and whether he is aware that it was considered necessary expressly to confer by statute upon local authorities power to grant permission for the playing of games in public pleasure grounds?
§ Miss LAWRENCEThe statement which the hon. Member has in mind was intended to refer to criminal proceedings which my right hon. Friend is advised cannot be initiated against persons playing games unless there is a by-law or statutory provision forbidding games. I presume that the last part of the question refers to the power given by the Public Health Acts, 1907 and 1925, to enclose playing spaces, or to Let lands provided as public pleasure grounds to clubs or persons, for the playing of games. This is not in point as regards the simple playing of games by members of the public who do not seek exclusive use of any portion of the ground.