HC Deb 02 June 1851 vol 117 cc344-5

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a Second Time."

MR. GRANTLEY BERKELEY

opposed the second reading of the Bill, which, if it passed, he said, would have the effect of depriving the poor of 20,000 acres of forest right, consisting of turfcutting and fuel, which entirely depended upon the preservation of the deer. The value of these rights might be estimated when he informed the House that the Earl of Malmesbury's commonage rights amounted to nine per cent on the whole of his estate. He would move that the Bill be read a second time that day six months.

Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "now," and at the end of the Question to add the words "upon this day six months."

MR. COMPTON

did not oppose the Bill, but considered, before the House adopted it, the rights of the commoners should be taken into consideration. He recommended that the noble Lord the Chief Commissioner of the Woods and Forests (Lord Seymour) should take powers for issuing a Commission to inquire into that question. He would, therefore, second the Amendment.

LORD SEYMOUR

said, the only way to improve the property of the Crown forests, was to get rid of the deer in the first instance, and with them the forest right. With respect to settling the claims of all parties, he was alarmed when he heard of their extent. There were two sorts of claims, those within the forest and those without; and, according to the lowest estimate, these amounted to 600,000l.; while, according to the highest estimate, they amounted to not less than 15,000,000l. He could not interfere with these claims, but thought it best to leave them to be decided in the ordinary way. His great object was to get rid of the deer.

MR. MULLINGS

regarded the Bill as a measure of confiscation, which ought never to receive the sanction of the House.

MR. HENRY DRUMMOND

objected to the Crown entering upon the business of growing timber for the Navy; and, as there were several objectionable clauses, he would support the Amendment.

Question put, "That the word 'now' stand part of the Question."

The House divided:—Ayes 82; Noes 28: Majority 54.

Main Question put, and agreed to:—Bill read 2°, and committed to a Select Committee.

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