HC Deb 06 November 1961 vol 648 cc15-6W
Sir W. Bromley-Davenport

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the Report of the Royal Commission on Common Land will be implemented; and whether legislation will be introduced during the present Session.

Mr. Soames

Following the announcement by my predecessor on 26th July, 1960, my Department put suggestions to the local authority associations and other interested bodies. These suggestions were concerned with the practicability of a scheme of commons registration broadly on the lines recommended by the Royal Commission but taking considerably less time than the twelve years envisaged by the Royal Commission.

I am now satisfied that this could be done and legislation will be prepared for this purpose though it cannot be introduced this Session. I have in mind to allow three years for the registration of claims and two years for the registration of objections.

Registration of claims that land is common, and to ownership and common rights, is a desirable step in itself and the establishment of the facts will pave the way for action on the remaining recommendations of the Royal Commission.