§ MR. J. RAMSAY MACDONALDI beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the refusal of the parish council of Birss, Aberdeenshire, to vindicate the public right to use a footpath which has been used for over fifty years; and whether, in view of the difficulties experienced in working the existing law and of the rapid disappearance of these public rights, he can see his way to introduce remedial legislation.
§ MR. SINCLAIRI have no information on the subject referred to by the hon. Gentleman, and I can only repeat that the desire to preserve to the public all existing rights of way has the hearty sympathy of His Majesty's Government. I cannot give any undertaking now as to future legislation.
§ MR. J. RAMSAY MACDONALDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that litigation has arisen, and that the failure of the parish councils to put the law into operation is causing a great deal of scandal?
§ MR. SINCLAIRI will give close attention to the matter.