Commons Bill [HL]

As we go through the Bill, it is interesting how amendments spark and receive different responses, which is right. Obviously, for once I do not agree with my noble friend, but I accept what he says. It was interesting that in his response the Minister suggested that a large number of inactive holders might pose a problem. I am paraphrasing his words wrongly, but he recognised that there could be a problem if there were a large number of inactive holders of common rights. I am grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Livsey, who obviously feels as I do that the rights of active commoners take precedence over other rights. It would be interesting to define—perhaps the Government have thought about it—how long inactivity could continue. It could be for years or for a short term. I take the Minister’s point. Obviously after the foot and mouth outbreak there were times when activity did not take place because of disease control. I thank Members of the Committee who have spoken, whether we agree or disagree.