§ 41. Mr. MALLALIEUasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the application made to him to prevent access to Rombalds Moor, in the West Riding of Yorkshire, during the months of April, May, August and September in every year, he will say whether any and, if so, what representations in respect of such application have been made to him by local authorities concerned; and whether, before assenting to such application, he will give full consideration to the fact that the moor is subject to a statutory 526 right of the public to access for air and exercise which is of benefit to the thickly populated neighbouring districts?
§ Mr. ELLIOTAn application has been made to me in accordance with Section 193 of the Law of Property Act, 1925, to impose certain restrictions on the public rights of access conferred by that Section to Rombalds Moor. I have received no representations of protest, but formal public notice of the application has yet to be given in the locality, and a period of three months is allowed for objections. If any objection of substance is put forward no decision will be reached until a public inquiry has been held at which all persons or authorities interested in the matter will be entitled to be heard. The hon. Member may rest assured that the fullest consideration will be given to all relevant circumstances.
§ Mr. MALLALIEUWhat would the right hon. Gentleman consider an objection of substance? For instance, would it be an objection of substance against closing the moor that the public of the neighbouring districts have a right of access to it, under the Law of Property Act, 1925?
§ Mr. HOLFORD KNIGHTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this district is a popular resort, particularly during these months, and will he give the matter further consideration in order that no unreasonable check may be imposed upon the tourists and visitors during that period?
§ Mr. ELLIOTMy hon. Friends may rest assured that the fullest consideration will be given to all these varied circumstances.