Countryside and Rights of Way Bill — Rights of public in relation to access land — 13 Jun 2000

As amended in the Standing Committee, considered.

Ordered ,

I beg to move amendment No. 101, in page 1, line 12, at end insert--

', and is at least 10 hectares in size'.

at least 60 per cent.

the gathering and bringing away of dead snapping wood boughs and sticks

certain commons are registered that give rights in common to certain restricted groups of people? It seems that the Bill will give a general right of access to such common lands. If so, it will widen the definition--

of common land.

My immediate reaction, without receiving advice, is that the Bill is intended to have that effect. If I am wrong, I shall ensure that the Committee is informed of the fact.--[ Official Report, Standing Committee B , 28 March 2000; c. 25-26.].

I happily accept that a percentage figure would be too specific.--[ Official Report, Standing Committee B , 4 April 2000; c. 119.]

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

I beg to move amendment No. 195, in page 40, leave out line 6 and insert--

'1. Land on which the soil is being, or has at any time within the previous twelve months been, disturbed by any ploughing or drilling undertaken for the purposes of planting or sowing crops or trees.'.

It is also unlikely that land that has been recently cultivated would be mapped as open country.--[ Official Report, Standing Committee B , 6 April 2000; c. 172.]

We also feel the time period of 12 months is too narrow as land on rotational leys can often lay fallow without being ploughed or drilled for three years or more.

Amendment agreed to.

Amendments made: No. 196, in page 40, line 18, at end insert--

I beg to move amendment No. 7, in page 2, line 38, leave out from first "the" to end of line 39 and insert "next 72 hours".

Mr. Deputy Speaker:

With this it will be convenient to discuss the following: Amendment No. 27, in page 2, line 39, at end insert--

The stars still shine in country skies. The light that has travelled for millions of years reaches our eyes where house lights, street lights, entertainment lights, son et lumiere lights, security lights, car lights, industrial lights drown it . . . Country stars, the scudding moon, and silk black night belong to us all!

Question put, That the amendment be made:--

The House divided: Ayes 156, Noes 285.

Historical Hansard | Online Hansard |