§ Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDasked the Lord Advocate whether the attention of the Scottish Office has been drawn to the closing of paths through the precincts of Neidpath Castle, near Peebles; whether any communication on the subject has been received from the local authorities; and whether, in view of the frequency with which these public rights are now being set aside by the owners of land in Scotland, and the impossibility of defending them owing to the expense involved, the Scottish Office is considering the desirability of introducing legislation on the subject?
§ The SOLICITOR GENERAL for SCOTLAND (Mr. A. Dewar)No communication on this matter has reached the Scottish Office; but I am informed that a special meeting of Peebles Town Council was called to consider the situation. It was stated that the Neidpath Grounds had been open to the public during living memory, and that the closing of them was regarded as a calamity to the neighbourhood. The town council unanimously passed a resolution thanking Lord Wemyss for having so long left the grounds open, and earnestly desiring him to reopen them. The preservation of public rights-of-way is an object with which the Scottish Office is in hearty sympathy, but at present it is not possible to give any undertaking to introduce legislation.
§ Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDIs the Scottish Office really aware of the facts stated towards the end of my question, and in view of the frequency with which 1083 these, public rights are now being set aside, may I ask whether the Scottish Office will not do something to protect the public?
§ Mr. DEWARThe difficulty indicated by the Peebles Town Council is very grave. It is a very great pity that the public should be deprived of the enjoyment of reasonable rights of way, but the hon. Member will see that the Scottish Office have nothing to do with the matter, and has scarcely power to interfere here, except by expressing a hope that the town council will be successful.
§ Mr. COXWill the Solicitor-General consult the Prime Minister as to the desirability of introducing legislation as to the whole of the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. WATTIs it not the case that the Scottish Office in the first year of this Parliament made a promise to deal with this question of rights of way in Scotland?
§ Mr. DEWARThat scarcely arises out of this question. This is a case where the privilege granted for a long time has been withdrawn. There is no right to interfere, or the Scottish Office would gladly do so.