§ 38. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that certain common land called Wolstanton Marsh is to be reduced in area by the making of a road; whether he has received a petition from 152 of the inhabitants directly affected by this curtailment of the common; whether he is satisfied that the rights of the public are adequately protected; and what he proposes to do about it?
Mr. GUINNESSI have received a copy of a petition by 152 residents in the district protesting against the construction of the proposed road. By the Commons Regulation (Wolstanton Marsh) Provisional Order Confirmation Act, 1898, the Wolstanton Urban District Council, as conservators of the common, were expressly empowered by Parliament, for the benefit of the neighbourhood, to set out, make and maintain new carriage roads over the common, and the award of regulation made in 1898 under this Act repeated this provision. Whether the proposed road would be for the benefit of the neighbour hood is a matter upon which I have no authority to express any opinion.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman taking any steps to see that additional land is acquired for the public to make up for this curtailment?
Mr. GUINNESSI have no powers in that direction; Parliament removed this matter from the discretion of the Minister of Agriculture, and gave the discretion to the local authority.