HC Deb 30 June 1949 vol 466 c1514
60. Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will take steps to recover the right of way between Turvey Abbey and Turvey Priory, Bedfordshire, this footpath having been obliterated as a result of war-time agricultural activity.

Mr. T. Williams

The local authority is the body primarily responsible for the protection of public rights of way. When the relevant Defence Regulation which authorised the ploughing up of footpaths was revoked in 1945, local authorities were duly informed and at the same time farmers were told that they should restore the footpaths that previously existed.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

Am I, then, to blame the local authority for the present state of affairs?

Mr. Williams

My Department have no responsibility for the preservation of footpaths.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

Why, therefore, did my right hon. Friend undertake the responsibility of answering this Question when it was directed originally to the Minister of Town and Country Planning?

Mr. Williams

Because the Minister of Town and Country Planning preferred me to answer it rather than to do so himself.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

That is no answer to my question.