§ Mr. PRINGLEasked the Minister of Agriculture approximately the number of
2774Wbeen called to the encroachment on the common land in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, by the agent for the Crown lands; if he is aware that the total acreage that the Crown can claim is 11,000 acres and that this acreage has been exceeded to a considerable extent; and will he take steps to prevent any further enclosure of common land and cause an immediate inquiry into the encroachment that has taken place?
§ Sir R. SANDERS:The answer to the first part is in the negative. I am aware that the Crown may enclose not more than 11,000 acres in the Forest of Dean, but I understand that this area has not been exceeded, and that there is no intention of so doing. The necessity for the action suggested in the last part of the question does not, therefore, arise.