Commons Bill [HL]

I am grateful to all noble Lords who have taken part in this short debate. I begin by addressing the amendment moved by the noble Lord, Lord Livsey, which would enable regulations to permit or require the inclusion of information in the register regarding grazing rights granted out of the owner’s own surplus of grazing. We accept that it will be helpful if the register is able to present, so far as is practicable, a holistic picture of rights exercisable over the common. We agree that wide powers are needed for this purpose and we believe that the amendment that I moved, Amendment No. 4, will have the effect of clarifying those powers that exist. It will ensure that the registers are capable of recording additional grazing rights, which are not rights of common as sought by Amendment No. 6. Our view is that the noble Lord’s amendment is not needed because Clause 3(5) as amended will confer such powers.