§ 51. Mr. Neaveasked the Prime Minister whether he will arrange for a review of the law relating to common land in view of the widespread desire for a review of this kind.
§ The Prime MinisterHer Majesty's Government are aware that the present law relating to common land in England and Wales needs to be reviewed. I have recommended to The Queen and Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to approve that a Royal Commission should be appointed to undertake a comprehensive review of the present law. I will announce at a later date the names of the chairman and members, together with the terms of reference.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesCan the Prime Minister say why there is not a similar reference to Scotland?
§ The Prime MinisterI understand that in Scotland—for reasons which it would not be for me to comment on—there is no common land.
§ Mr. NicholsonCan my right hon. Friend say whether the use of common land will come under the purview of this Commission? Is he aware that in Surrey there is great uncertainty about the requirements of the Defence Departments and that the whole situation regarding common land is in a state of chaos?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. There was a debate on this topic a little while ago and a Resolution asking for some investigation was passed unanimously by the House. After looking into it, we thought that this was a matter which deserved a Royal Commission to investigate it,
Mr. T. WilliamsWill the topic of a time-limit for the Commission be discussed, or will it sit for years and years?
§ The Prime MinisterI should not have thought that was in the category of topics. I hope not.
§ Sir L. RopnerWould the Prime Minister give an assurance that he will 991 carefully consider the appointment to the Royal Commission of a member of the Forestry Commission?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir, I know that the Forestry Commission is intimately concerned in the matter.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonCan the Prime Minister say whether the object of the Royal Commission is to consider what steps may be taken to preserve and protect common land, or will its purpose be to consider how far the common land can be enclosed?
§ The Prime MinisterOh, no. There are a whole series of problems about this, as the right hon. Gentleman knows. There are a number of organisations, including the Commons, Open Spaces and Footpaths Preservation Society, the National Farmers' Union from their angle, and others, who have asked for an inquiry. The purpose would be that the inquiry should tabulate the position as it is—it varies greatly—and make recommendations on the subject. There will certainly be no kind of commitment by the Government or this House until we have the result of the work of the Royal Commission.
§ The Prime MinisterI will bear that in mind.