§ MR. MORTON (Peterborough)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether his attention has been called to the recent refusal of the Conservators of Epping Forest to place on the register of commoners any person holding less than half an acre of land; whether, in view of the rights confirmed by Clause 5, and Sub-section 8 of Clause 33 of the Epping Forest Act of 1878, the Conservators are justified in depriving the small commoners of their ancient rights, as protected by Clause 5 of the said Act; and whether the commoners have the right to attend the meetings of the Conservators?
§ MR. PLUNKETMy attention has been called to the circumstances mentioned in the question of the hon. Member, and I have consulted my legal advisers on the subject; but I am assured by them that the Epping Forest Act gives me no right to interfere in the matter in dispute, which is, as I understand, a question of law, and under these circumstances I think it is not for me to express any opinion on the subject.
§ MR. MORTONDo the Commissioners claim the power to deprive the commoners of their rights?
§ MR. PLUNKETThe hon. Member had better put the question down upon the Paper.
§ MR. MORTONDoes the right hon. Gentleman expect that these men will be in a condition to defray the expense of vindicating in a Court of Law the rights they are supposed to have?
§ [No answer was returned.]