§ 29. Mr. Alexander W. Lyonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what progress has been made with the registration of land under the Commons Registration Act 1965.
§ Mr. Denis HowellOn 2nd January, 1970, when the period for applications expired, over 13,700 areas in England and Wales had been registered as common or green and there were over 2,100 249 outstanding applications for registration of land. Some authorities need further time to deal with the outstanding applications. My right hon. Friend and his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales accordingly propose to make regulations extending until 31st July, 1970, the period within which registrations may be made.
§ Mr. LyonWill my hon. Friend tell the House what percentage of the total known area of common land these figures represent? If there is a considerable percentage left where no application has been made, will it not be a serious matter and should not some attempt be made to extend the advertising about it?
§ Mr. HowellIt is impossible to give the percentage. We are confident that in the additional time now being allowed all the registrations that we or the authorities have under consideration can be effectively made.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsDoes the Minister agree that it is a complicated matter and that there are many people who should register property who do not understand the procedures? During the extended period, on which I congratulate him, will he do his utmost to make certain that the regulations and the procedures are understood by those who should register, as they are not understood in a large part of the rural area?
§ Mr. HowellI am obliged to the hon. Member for Derbyshire, West (Mr. Scott-Hopkins) and to my hon. Friend for drawing this matter to our attention. I will have it examined and take action, if necessary.