80. Mr. FRANK OWENasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will order an inquiry into the circumstances in connection with the enclosing of the Common Acre by officials of the Ministry of Agriculture at Broadmore, Herefordshire?
§ Dr. ADDISONMy right hon. Friend is informed that an Order was issued by the Charity Commissioners on 30th July, 1929, under the Charitable Trusts Acts, authorising the sale to the Forestry Commission of the land in question known as the Poor's Acre, Fownhope, Hereford, by the parish council as trustees, the proceeds of the sale to be applied for the benefit of poor persons in the parish. The Forestry Commission are, I understand, fencing the land, and my right hon. Friend has no information to show that it is common land, and, as the case stands, he has no power to intervene in the matter.
Mr. OWENWill my right hon. Friend order his officials not to enclose this Acre until the petition which is now in front of the Petition Committee of the House is considered?
§ Dr. ADDISONIt is not our officials who are enclosing, but the Forestry Commission, and I have no power in the matter at all.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONWill not the Government inquire whether this is common land or not?
§ Dr. ADDISONWe have inquired, and there is nothing to show that it is common land, but if there be any question in dispute, there is a proper process by which the matter can be settled.
Mr. OWENCan the right hon. Gentleman pass on this information to the Forestry Commission, because the enclosure is going on, and there is likely to be serious civil disorder?
§ Dr. ADDISONI have already done so, and we will do all we can to promote peace in the matter.