HC Deb 01 August 1961 vol 645 cc1119-20
8. Mr. C. Johnson

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs when he expects the survey of rights of way, as provided by the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, 1949, to be completed so that the whole of England and Wales will be covered by definitive maps.

Sir K. Joseph

My right hon. Friend cannot say when definitive maps will be available for the whole of England and Wales. So far 25 county councils in England and Wales have published definitive maps for the whole of their areas and seven for parts of their areas.

Mr. Johnson

In view of the fact that the survey should have been completed under the provisions of the Act in 1955, which is six years ago, will the Parliamentary Secretary invite his right hon. Friend to bring pressure to bear upon the more dilatory councils, or even consider intervening, as he has power to do under the Act, especially as the public interests are being neglected or adversely affected by the long delay?

Sir K. Joseph

This is an immense job needing a great degree of precision. Acceleration would only increase the number of appeals or reduce the accuracy, or both.

Mr. K. Lewis

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is a rather unhealthy but, I understand, well-founded rumour that a bureaucratic bulldozer is about to remove the County of Rutland, or to suggest that it should be removed, off the map altogether? Is he further aware that the people of Rutland and myself will stand firm against this proposal?

Mr. Speaker

Order. This Question is about the survey of rights of way.