HC Deb 09 May 1938 vol 335 cc1220-1
19. Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Minister of Agriculture what requests have been addressed to him for a new record of the common lands of England and Wales to be made; whether he is aware that the last survey of the commons in English parishes was nearly 100 years ago and that, owing to the changes in the countryside in that period, difficulties exist at times of dispute as to common rights; and whether he will give the suggestion of a new survey his sympathetic consideration?

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. W. S. Morrison)

Requests for legislation to authorise a survey of common lands in England and Wales have been made to me and to my predecessors from time to time by bodies and individuals interested in the preservation of these lands. I am aware that particulars of many commons were given in the Parish Apportionments made in pursuance of the Tithe Commutation Act, 1836; and, while a new and complete survey of commons would be useful in connection with the rights exercisable by the public and others over such areas, I cannot, on account of the complexity and expense of the task, at present promise the introduction of legislation for the purpose.

Mr. Creech Jones

Will the Minister continue to give this matter his sympathetic consideration and bring the matter up again at an early date?

Mr. Morrison

I will certainly continue to give the matter sympathetic consideration.

Mr. Ede

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider making inquiries through the usual channels as to whether Measures to do this might not become unopposed Measures in the House?

Sir Joseph Nall

Is it not a fact that the whole question of the revision of the Ordnance Survey is hopelessly in arrears, and what steps are being taken to bring the work up to date?

Mr. Morrison

That is a separate question, but I do not agree that the Ordnance Survey is hopelessly in arrears. There has been considerable progress recently in expediting a review.

Mr. Kirkwood

Arising out of the original reply, is it not a disgrace that the people who work on the land are leaving the land in great numbers, and that the Government are doing nothing to alter the situation?

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