Commons Bill [HL]

I am grateful to my noble friend for raising the question of ““may””. We discussed it on the way back from voting in the Division. I did not give the whole of my reasoning behind the amendment when I moved it and I should like to highlight the importance of promoting the welfare of animals, because we are very concerned about it. We believe there should be much greater awareness that commons associations will have to carry out works such as fencing, channelling animals away from recreational hotspots such as car parks, and providing greater protection for animals who stray on to busy roads. I may not have included that point in my very brief remarks, but I should not like the Government to miss it because it is enormously important. I am grateful to the noble Baroness for indicating that she will take away both of the amendments and consider them further, and I am particularly grateful to my noble friend Lord Peel for having raised the question of ““may””.