§ 1. Mr. Haymanasked he Minister of Agriculture what representations he has received under Section 194 of the Law of Property Act, 1925, in regard to common rights over Walkhampton Common in Dartmoor National Park, parts of which the British Broadcasting Corporation wants to buy for a television station; and whether he will make a statement. The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries (Sir Thomas Dugdale): No application under Section 194 of the Law of Property Act, 1925, in respect of Walkhampton Common has so far been made to me. I have received written representations on behalf of the Dartmoor Preservation Association and the Commons, Open Spaces and Footpaths Preservation Society, that common rights exist over the land which the British Broadcasting Corporation wish to acquire. This, however. 540 is not a question which I have any authority to determine.
Mr. Hay manWill the Minister bear in mind that the common rights over Dartmoor are older than Magna Charta? Will he also remember that this case will be a vital precedent for any future applications there may be to extinguish rights on commons? May I ask him to look at the matter again and to remember that we are not trying to hinder the provision of the television station?
§ Sir T. DugdaleYes, Sir, but it is for interested parties to obtain legal advice on the position; only the courts can finally determine where common rights do or do not exist.