§ VISCOUNT BLEDISLOEasked Her Majesty's Government when it is proposed to issue the Report of the Committee established 2½ years ago to revise the constitution and functions of the Court of Verderers of the Forest of Dean, especially in regard to the regularisation of alleged commoners' sheep grazing rights, with the incidental risk in default thereof of vagrant animals spreading foot and mouth disease; and whether Her Majesty's Government realise that the normal routine activities of the Court are being indefinitely suspended pending the finalisation of the Committee's task.
THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD (EARL ST. ALDWYN)The noble Viscount is no doubt referring to the Committee appointed by the Forestry Commissioners in June, 1955, to review the situation in the Forest of Dean and to recommend any steps thought desirable and necessary to adjust the administration of the Forest to modern requirements. The Committee's report is in the final stages of completion and is likely to be presented to the Forestry Commissioners within a month. Hitherto I have not been informed that the activities of the Court of Verderers have not continued normally since the Committee was appointed.
House adjourned at a quarter before seven o'clock.