HC Deb 24 November 1981 vol 13 cc354-5W
Dr. David Clark

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has now completed consideration of the comments initiated by his Department on the report of an interdepartmental working party entitled "Common Land: Preparations for Comprehensive Legislation"; and what action he intends to take on the recommendations contained in the report.

Mr. MacFarlane

Consideration of the comments received on the working Party's report has not been completed. On 15 July 1980 in response to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Huntingdonshire (Mr. Major) and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales recognised the desirability of further legislation on commons, but this is a complex subject and the preparation of legislation would make heavy demands on staff resources. They have therefore decided not to propose any legislation on this matter before mid-1982 at the earliest. I cannot add to that statement at this stage.