Commons Bill [HL]

I have listened patiently to the discussion for some time. I am sorry that I was unable to take part at Second Reading, but I took part in every stage of the passage of the Commons Registration Act 1965 in another place. The 1965 Act includes amendments that I tabled because—I think I am right in saying this—my constituency included the biggest area of common land in the country. It covered a large swathe of the southern part of the Lake District, so naturally I was extremely interested. I thought that we were moving towards sweetness and light until the Minister said a moment ago that he might consider an order of precedence. I hope that, if he does that, he will insert the commons associations as first in the order of precedence. I am very attracted to Amendment No. 30, in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Livsey. I took my noble friend’s reference to the possibility of those alterations as meaning that he would consider seriously inserting in Clause 9 a provision relating to commons associations. But if there is to be an order of first, second and third reserve, I hope that the first option will go to the commons associations because they know best what is for the benefit of the common. Over-grazing is not in their overall interest. My noble friend Lord Rotherwick is right: as a result of changes to agricultural policy in the past few years, we will see a major change in the uplands of this country. A lot of that land will fall into disuse or rack and ruin. The outlook is hideous. I am appalled at the situation that confronts us and what the uplands of this country are going to look like and how much less attractive they will become to those who wish to enjoy them. The people who know best are the commons associations. To impose the will of Natural England and the Countryside Council for Wales is very much second best for those commons.