§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Office of Woods and Forests, whether, in view of the fact that no cases relating either to vert or venison or other matters, if any, falling within the jurisdiction of the Court of Verderers of the Forest of Dean had, for at least three years, been brought by the Crown officials before such court, and that the meeting of such court, which, according to ancient law and custom, should take place every forty days, now invariably stood adjourned owing to lack of business, the Government would consider the advisability of allocating additional duties to the verderers so that this ancient office might not become a sinecure?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hobhouse)There does not appear to be any necessity to devise new duties for the verderers of Dean Forest in place of those which have become obsolete. If the hon. Member has any suggestion to make, it will, however, receive consideration.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of extending the jurisdiction of the verderers 195 of the Forest of Dean to all cases of in-closure of Crown lands, and to every case in which there is an apparent conflict between the rights of the Crown and the rights of the inhabitants?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI should like to consider that question before giving a definite answer.