§ 37. and 38. Mr. C. Johnsonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs (1) when he expects the Pennine Way to be completed as a legal right of way;
(2) whether, since there is no prospect of a footpath agreement, he will consider making a public path order for the start of the Pennine Way up the Grindsbrook Valley at Edale, Derbyshire.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Sir Keith Joseph)There are legal rights over nearly the whole of the Pennine Way—about 250 miles. Negotiations for rights over the remaining four miles including the start of the Way at Edale are being pursued. My right hon. Friend has no evidence that in the meantime the public are being excluded.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs it not true that an undertaking was given by the Prime Minister when he was the appropriate Minister on 14th July, 1952—and I use his words—
It is hoped to get the Pennine Way completed by the end of the autumn."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 14th July, 1952; Vol. 503, c. 1937.]That was eight years ago, and the interminable delay which has taken place in completing the legal right of way for the whole of this footpath has retarded what was a very imaginative and progressive scheme.
§ Sir K. JosephSo far as my right hon. Friend knows, the entire path is available to the public. I think we should still try to proceed by agreement in the last four miles out of the 250 miles available.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs it not a fact that, as regards the approach up the Grinds-brook Valley, there is a primitive log bridge, and there is a warning notice that the Peak Park Board cannot accept responsibility for any injury to persons using it? Is it not also a fact that, until a legal right of way has been established, no one will undertake the responsibility of keeping the bridge in repair?
§ Sir K. JosephI understand that the Peak Park Board is in negotiation not 229 only for this right of way, to which the hon. Member refers, but also for an alternative right of way.