§ LORD BURGHCLEREMy Lords, I will explain in a very few words why I have asked for this Return. Your 571 Lordships will recollect that in 1899 Parliament passed an Act for the better regulation of commons and open spaces. That is now two years ago, and I think we might, with advantage, have some official statistics to show whether or not the Act has been of any service to rural localities, for whose benefit it was really intended. The Return will not cost a penny, as the information is already in the possession of the Board of Agriculture. If, as I believe, the Act has been utilized by rural localities, I think the Return may induce other districts to follow the example of their neighbours and thereby enable the Act to be of greater benefit to the country.
Moved, That there be laid before the House a Return showing in respect of each scheme approved by the Board of Agriculture for the regulation and management of any common in pursuance of the Commons Act, 1899, to the end of the year 1901—(1) the date of the approval; (2) the name of the common; (3) the district council making the scheme; (4) the county in which the common is situate; and (5) the area of the common—(The Lord Eurghclere).
§ EARL HOWEI am glad to be able to inform my noble friend that the Board of Agriculture have no objection to the granting of the Return for which he asks.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to; and ordered accordingly.
§ House adjourned at five minutes past Six o'clock, to Monday next, Eleven o'clock.