Dan Rogerson MP for North Cornwall

Yesterdays debate on the future of England and Wales' common land got under way in the House of Commons, with North Cornwall's MP Dan Rogerson stating the case for Cornwall’s own common land, much of which is on Bodmin Moor. The Commons Bill aims to finally legislate on the findings of the 1958 Royal Commission's report into the registration, management of and rights attached to common land.

After speaking in the debate, MP for North Cornwall Dan Rogerson said:

"It is good that we have at last an opportunity to address this issue which is so crucial to farmers, land owners and other users of Bodmin Moor. This legislation must aim to clear up the problems which have affected many areas of common land over the 40 years since the last Act."

"There are, however, some lingering questions. Commoners in the Bodmin Moor area are giving a cautious welcome to the Bill, but are concerned that the repeal of the 1965 Commons Registration act will cause an open season on rights. This problem could be exacerbated by the abolition of Commons Commissioners which have in the past proved a trusted and effective in the settlement of disputes. The alternative is an endless round of costly court battles."

"Some larger groups such as the Bodmin Moor Commons Council will no doubt want to take the opportunity of becoming a statutory body, but smaller voluntary associations must not miss out on the chance to improve the management of commons to protect livelihoods, heritage and the environment."

Dan Rogerson has been chosen to sit on the committee which will examine the Bill in depth and is working with the Bodmin Moor Commons Council to secure some important changes to the Bill.