MR. COMPTON (Hants, New Forest)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if his attention, or that of the Commissioners of Woods, &c., has been lately directed to the enclosure of some 50 acres of the open, lauds of the New Forest, in the parish of Boldre, in or about the year 1832; and if he could state under what powers these enclosures were made; if under the Act of I and 2 Will. 4, cap. 57, under what powers the Office of Woods, &c., now claim a fee simple in such land free of commoners' rights, and charge a rack rent for the same under a lease made to private Trustees?
§ MR. JACKSONYes, Sir. The attention of the Treasury has been directed to the subject of my hon. Friend's question. These enclosures were made under the Act of I and 2 Will. IV., cap. 59, not 57, as stated in the question; and I am informed that, inasmuch as this land has been enclosed for more than 20 years, the rights of the commoners have been extinguished.
In reply to a further question by Mr. COMPTON,
§ MR. JACKSONsaid: I understand that a record is kept in the Inland Revenue Department. I am not aware whether a record is also kept in any other office; but if the hon. Member will repeat the question I will answer it upon another day.