§ 20. Mr. Priceasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, whether he is aware that the requisitioning of iron railings in the Forest of Dean may lead to the straying of the livestock of commoners, exercising ancient grazing rights in the forest, on to gardens and enclosed lands; and whether he will instruct his officials to exercise special care in dealing with this matter?
§ Mr. HicksThe greatest care in circumstances similar to those described by the Hon. Member has been urged on all my officers since the commencement of the campaign for the recovery of railings. I am aware of the special considerations which apply to the neighbourhood of the Forest of Dean, and I have issued instructions that further work on the removing of railings shall be suspended pending further investigation pinto local conditions.
§ Mr. PriceIs my hon. Friend aware that in the Forest of Dean there are old cement works containing tons of scrap iron which has been there for years and is absolutely untouched?
§ Mr. HicksI am well aware of that, and, as the hon. Member must also be aware, my Department has been in consultation with the owners, and discussions have been going on for quite a long time. I think the matter is now being cleared up.