§ Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made in registering common land under the Registration of Commons Act 1965; and whether he will make a statement on the establishment of a public right of access to all common land.
§ Mr. MarksAll registration had to be made by 31st July 1970. Commons commissioners appointed by the Lord Chancellor are making steady progress in determining disputed registrations and investigating the ownership of unclaimed commons, but this task may take some years to complete.
The Royal Commission on Common Land made a number of recommendations—including the creation of a right of public access to all common land—which would require further legislation. These are currently under review and it is hoped to open consultation with interested relevant bodies in the not too distant future.