4. Mr. Vaneasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that the traditional practice of grazing commons is today often impracticable; and what advice his Department is tendering to inquirers where it appears that the commons for which they are responsible are rapidly reverting to scrub which is worthless to both amenity and agriculture.
Mr. AmoryI recognise that the efficient grazing of common land presents great difficulties. In offering advice my Department suggests whatever co-operative action is practicable in the particular case consistent with the law. A prerequisite is full agreement among the commoners.
Mr. VaneIs my right hon. Friend aware that the efficient grazing of commons today nearly always demands an improved water supply, even if not ploughing and temporary fencing? This is often impossible to finance, and may be outside the statutory power of regulations. In addition, it may be difficult even to find an up-to-date roll of commoners. Will my right hon. Friend do all he can to make it possible for this land to make a better contribution to our food supplies?
Mr. AmoryI am very conscious of the difficulties to which my hon. Friend draws our attention. These difficulties are primarily legal.
§ Mr. EdeIn considering this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman keep closely in touch with the Commons Preservation Society in order to ensure that the other uses of commons in this highly industrialised society shall not be lost sight of?
Mr. AmoryYes; the point which the right hon. Gentleman makes is a very good one indeed, and I am keeping in touch with the Commons Preservation Society and with other societies interested in the recreational aspect.
§ Mr. E. FletcherDoes not the Minister agree that it is a very important matter that so much grazing land should be reverting to scrub? While we all agree that the rights of commons preservation interests should be recognised, does not the Minister agree that the legal position is quite archaic? As he has said that the difficulties are primarily legal, will he say whether he has in mind any changes in the law necessary to deal with the subject?
Mr. AmoryI agree with what the hon. Gentleman has said, and I am not altogether happy with the present situation. I have the whole matter very much under consideration at the present time.
§ Mr. CrouchIn view of the importance of this matter, will my right hon. Friend set up a committee to inquire into the various laws which prevail throughout the country in respect of the various commons? Is it not a fact that these laws vary from village to village?
§ Mr. EdeIn the right hon. Gentleman's desire to be all things to all men, particularly at this time, will he bear in mind that there are some very acute controversies involved in this matter?