HC Deb 25 February 1919 vol 112 cc1630-1W
Mr. WIGNALL

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Deputy-Surveyor of the Forest of Dean has put up a notice to the effect that all live stock must be taken off the Lea Bailey; whether he is aware that this land has never been enclosed; that the people in the district, who have to carry clean water some distance, would be greatly inconvenienced if the land was enclosed; and that they will also suffer inconvenience if no animals can be turned out on the land; and whether he will make inquiries into this matter with a view to the withdrawal of the notice in question?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

The question is understood to refer to the area of about 56 acres which it has recently been decided to include with the existing Crown enclosure at Lea Bailey, which it adjoins. The piece of land in question is required for forestry purposes. It forms a part of the waste of the Forest, the enclosure of 11,000 acres of which, whether previously enclosed or not, is authorised by Statute. The notices given by the Deputy-Surveyor of Dean Forest are in accordance with the usual practice. The enclosure will not interfere with any facilities for obtaining water enjoyed by the local inhabitants, and it is understood that there will practically be no interference with commonable rights.