§ Mr. BayleyTo ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church Commissioners, what policy the Church Commissioners have regarding(a) the development and (b) the commercial exploitation of shooting over land (i) in its ownership and (ii) for which it has retained the shooting rights. [2411]
§ Mr. AlisonThe commissioners have a duty to try to obtain the best possible return from all their assets for the benefit of the Church of England clergy. Sporting rights are let, following negotiations, either to farm tenants or third parties and are subject to regular review.
§ Mr. BayleyTo ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church Commissioners, what mechanism the Church Estate Commissioners adopt to resolve conflicts arising between public access on foot and the commercial exploitation or sale of shooting rights over land or woodland (i) which they own and (ii) over which they have retained the shooting rights. [2412]
§ Mr. AlisonThe commissioners are not seeking any change whatsoever to the existing public rights of access to their woodlands. It is the commissioners' policy to protect any access to these woodlands in the form of public footpaths or bridleways.
We have had no reports of any conflicts between walking and shooting rights and no such concerns have been expressed direct to us. We are always ready to listen to those who contact us over the use of our land.