§ 16. Mr. C. Johnsonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what progress has been made in the Footpath Survey provided for under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949; and, in particular, how many of the county councils in England and Wales have published definitive maps.
§ Mr. CorfieldI think progress is as good as can be expected in view of the necessary statutory procedure. Forty-two county councils in England and Wales have published definitive maps for the whole or parts of their areas.
§ Mr. JohnsonDoes not the hon. Gentleman agree that the timetable for the survey is now hopelessly in arrear? Will he not invite his right hon. Friend to bring some pressure to bear on the responsible authorities to accelerate the survey, or are we to assume that the Ministry is indifferent or powerless in this matter?
§ Mr. CorfieldWe encourage county councils to get on as fast as they can, but there are considerable difficulties. I am sure that, with his great knowledge of this matter, the hon. Member knows that these procedures take time and that to try to cut corners, as it were, very often takes more time in the long run.