The effects of land ownership on the development of mineral resources in England and Wales, 1760-1960.

The thesis studies the various changes in the patterns of land ownership over a span of two hundred years, with special reference to mineral ownership in England and Wales. In order to sensibly appraise past developments and make recommendations for the future it has been necessary to review events which have taken place before and after the period under consideration. In Part One the rights and responsibilities of mineral owners are explained and the use of selected cases illustrate the uniqueness of this aspect of the law of property. The similarities to other ownerships of real property are explained as well as the peculiarities and exceptions arising from ancient and local customs. To counter these restrictions it has been sometimes necessary to take legislative measures which have slowly emerged, but not always to the benefit of the mineral owner or developer. Throughout the latter part of the period many Commissions and Committees have reported on various aspects of mineral ownership, such as working rights, safety, planning and development. These are reviewed and compared with subsequent legislation. The State Control of some mineral resources is analysed against the background of individual rights and interests. Mineral resources are a national asset but cannot be developed in vacuo and the effects of external factors at home and overseas are given consideration. Part Two contains three contrasting case studies which are examined in depth with reference to rights of ownership and support. These critical appraisals include alternative courses of action which might have been pursued.Finally Part Three gives an overall analysis of the sequence of events and concludes by making some recommendations for future developments, which the author considers necessary if indigenous mineral resources are to play a viable part in the national economy.