Commons Bill [HL]

Before the noble Baroness replies, I have spoken at some length on these issues and, as the noble Earl suggested, that may suffice to shorten what I have to say on later amendments. I agree with the noble Lord, Lord Tyler, that we expect statutory commons associations to seek agri-environment agreements to underwrite a reduction in grazing activity, not the increase feared by the noble Earl. I can reassure him to some extent that if a statutory commons association wishes to increase grazing levels above those covered by the right of common, the owner of the land must consent to it. We shall come to the issue of consent in government Amendment No. 182A, which is a rewriting of a part of the Bill.