62. Brigadier Peto askedthe Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that about 10,000 acres of the common lands of Exmoor are fast deteriorating through understocking: that these common lands could carry twice the present head of 1608 stock if a system of grids could be installed to prevent straying; and what action he will take to assist graziers in this matter.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsI agree that there is some deterioration on Exmoor common land owing to under-grazing, and that if straying could be prevented an increased head of stock could be carried. As to the last part of the Question, as I said in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Penrith and Cockermouth (Lieut.-Colonel Dower) on 18th November, decisions on questions of the erection of cattle grids on public roads must rest with the responsible highway authorities, and I have no power to intervene.
§ Brigadier PetoWill the Minister of Agriculture consult with the Ministry of Transport, which is presumably the highway authority concerned, the county council concerned and other parties to find a solution to this serious problem?
§ Mr. WilliamsGladly.