HC Deb 17 March 1939 vol 345 cc792-3W
Mr. R. Morgan

asked the First Commissioner of Works, under what existing regulations steps are taken at the present time to compel riders in Richmond Park on certain days and during certain periods to use one specified track for riding and no other?

Sir P. Sassoon

These steps are taken under Regulation No. 2 of the section of the Richmond Park Regulations headed "Special Regulations with regard to Horses."

Mr. R. Morgan

asked the First Commissioner of Works, whether the exercising of horses is permitted at the present time in Richmond Park; will he make it clear what such practice is held to involve; and for what reason the provisions with regard to the exercising of horses are applied differently in Richmond Park from other royal parks?

Sir P. Sassoon

The exercising of horses in Richmond Park is prohibited by Regulation No. 4 of the section of the Regulations for Richmond Park headed ''Special Regulations with regard to Horses." What constitutes "exercising" would ordinarily be a matter for determination in the light of the facts of each case. So far as I am aware, no question arises of the provisions as regards exercising being applied differently in different parks, though the actual Regulation for the Central London parks is not identical with that for Richmond Park.

Mr. R. Morgan

asked the First Commissioner of Works, under what regulation permits are issued at the present time for a horse-rider to travel from one gate to another in Richmond Park; and why such permits are necessary when the road alone is used?

Sir P. Sassoon

The permits are issued, when the Park (which includes the roads) is closed to riders, under Regulation 6 of the Special Regulations with regard to Horses. In addition, the Commissioners, by permit, allow grooms to take horses across the Park from one gate to another. The object of this is to make it clear that the holders of the permit are not to be regarded as exercising their horses.