§ Mr. MUFFasked the Minister of Agriculture for what periods, and for what consideration, permission has been given to a private company to carry on horse races at Beverley and to enclose part of the Hum Pasture, over which the public have the right of unrestricted access; and whether, in view of the fact that the rights of the public over this open space have been restricted under 1822W the board's consent, he will consider the withdrawal of the consent now given at an early date?
§ Mr. ELLIOTHorse races on the Hurn Pasture at Beverley have, I understand, been held for at least 200 years. In January, 1935, I gave consent under Section 194 of the Law of Property Act, 1925, to the erection of temporary fences to enclose the Pasture, during seven days of each year while horse racing is being held. A condition of the consent was that, during the remaining period of every year, the fences should be removed. No consideration was demanded or given for 1823W the consent, which was granted on representations from the Race Course Company, which pays rent of £200 per annum which is devoted to the upkeep of the pastures. I see no reason for withdrawing the consent, which I hope will facilitate the enjoyment of access for air and exercise to which the public is entitled under the Act of 1925.