§ 15. Mr. Wellbelovedasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what guidance he has given to local authorities about the operation of the new provisions in the Countryside Act, 1968, enabling any mistakes on footpath maps to be corrected on review.
§ Mr. GreenwoodAdvice about the kind of evidence to which local authorities can properly have regard under these provisions will be included in a circular to be issued shortly to local authorities.
§ Mr. WellbelovedIs my right hon. Friend aware that that answer will be welcomed in the country? Is he also aware that many sober lovers of the countryside like myself are increasingly concerned at the loss of country footpaths to the general public?
§ Mr. GreenwoodI am sure that the whole House welcomes sober lovers. I welcome my hon. Friend's suggestion, because I believe it to be true that at present some local authorities are interpreting too widely their powers to enable mistakes to be rectified. I hope that the guidance which I shall shortly be issuing will prevent this from happening in future.