§ Dr. David Clarkasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many disputes and claims to ownership remain to be heard by the commons commissioners; and how long they are likely to take to complete their hearings.
§ Mr. KingSome 8,500 disputed registrations and 4,000 ownership claims remain to be heard. Given the present complement of commissioners, this is expected to take another four to five years.
§ Dr. David Clarkasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has completed consideration of the comments invited by his Department on the report 250W of an interdepartmental working party entitled "Common Land; Preparations for Comprehensive Legislation"; and what action he intends to take on the recommendations contained therein.
§ Mr. KingThe large volume of comments is still under consideration, and I am therefore unable to say whether legislation is likely to be introduced.