HC Deb 28 July 1930 vol 242 cc38-9
36. Mr. EDE

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many applications for the enclosure of common lands under the Law of Property Act, 1925, are now before him; the acreage concerned; the number of decisions given on similar applications since 1st January, 1930; the acreage concerned in these decisions; and whether, in any such decision, an enclosure was sanctioned without the addition of an area of land to the common equivalent to that enclosed?

Mr. PARKINSON

The number of applications for the inclosure of common lands under Section 194 of the Law of Property Act, 1925, now before the Ministry is three, affecting altogether nine acres of land; the number of decisions given on similar applications since 1st January, 1930, is 12, affecting altogether 28 acres of land. In 10 of these cases the Ministry sanctioned inclosure without requiring the addition of an area of land to the common equivalent to that inclosed, as in all the circumstances of these cases the Ministry did not consider that any such requirement was necessary. The total area affected in these 10 cases was two roods 16 perches only.

37. Mr. EDE

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he proposes to promote legislation next Session for the more effective control and preservation of common lands?

Mr. PARKINSON

My right hon. Friend is unable at this stage to say whether it will be possible to arrange for the introduction of early legislation dealing with commons.