§ MR. J. RAMSAY MACDONALDI beg to ask the Prime Minister whether, in view of the unsatisfactory state of the law affecting the law of evidence as regards the proof of public rights of way, and of the uncertainty with which Junes treat such evidence, which makes the expense of proof of a right of way vary onerous on local authorities, and almost impossible for the public to establish rights of way to mountain tops, places of historic interest, and the seashore, notwithstanding that the public have had uninterrupted use of such rights 1434 of way for very many years, His Majesty's Government are prepared to introduce a Bill to amend the law, and so afford greater protection to the public interest.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI should be very glad to see the law affecting rights of way put on a clear and satisfactory footing, but, of course, at this stage of the session I can say nothing about introducing legislation on the subject. If I were entitled to put a Question to my hon. friend I should be tempted to ask him why the Bill which was backed by him and which aimed at securing the objects which he has at heart has, within the last few days, been dropped.
§ MR. PAULTON (Durham, Bishop Auckland)With reference to that measure, for which I was responsible, I should like to say the Bill was withdrawn in consequence of opposition which it was impossible to overcome on this side of the House.