Wimbledon and Putney Commons (Hansard, 5 February 1974)

§ Mr. Hugh Jenkins

I wish to present a petition from constituents of mine and others whose names are appended to the petition which shows that … because of changes in the ways of living and means of transport of the people of this country, the reasons which in 1871 led to Parliament placing special responsibility on those living near the Wimbledon and Putney Commons to pay for its maintenance are no longer valid and because there is no adequate public scrutiny of the administration and accounts of the Conservators. Wherefore your Petitioners pray that Parliament shall refer the question of whether the present control of the Commons shall become the responsibility of the Department of the Environment to a Committee of Enquiry or such other public examination as they may determine. I trust that the Government will take note of this petition, which I now present.