HC Deb 28 March 1973 vol 853 cc1295-6
21. Mr. Booth

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the names of the local authorities in England and Wales which do not produce copies of a definitive footpath map which can be purchased by the public.

Mr. Graham Page

Local authorities are required to keep definitive maps available for public inspection, but there is no obligation to produce copies for sale. I hope, however, that local authorities will do so where the demand warrants it. I will arrange for the information asked for to be collected and circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Booth

Does the Minister agree that many authorities in England and Wales will not sell to any member of the public a map showing definitive footpaths within their areas? Does he agree that it is very difficult, if not impossible, for people fully to exercise their rights of access to the countryside if they cannot obtain such a map? It is a natural corollary of the statutory obligation to publish a definitive footpath map that it should be available for sale to the public.

Mr. Page

There are difficulties in providing copies for sale. These are county maps, and county councils have a statutory duty to maintain and keep available for public inspection definitive maps of footpaths and bridleways. The maps have to be made available for public inspection at one or more offices in each county district and, I think, within each parish. I could not impose on local authorities the duty to sell. Some of them do, and those which do not I ask to examine the process by which those who do manage to do so.

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

Does my right hon. Friend realise that many new signposts have been put up showing splendid footpaths and bridleways, but that many of them peter out into ploughed fields? Only if the public have access to definitive footpath maps can this right be fully appreciated and exercised.

Mr. Page

I have said that the public do have access. It is a statutory duty on a county council to give access. In 1970 my Department urged all local authorities to improve public accessibility by displaying copies in office windows and making copies available in public libraries.

Mr. Mulley

I welcome the Minister's intention to encourage local authorities to make maps available, but is he aware that difficulties for walkers are created because the Ordnance Survey is not reprinting some of the larger-scale maps used by walkers, so that it will be doubly difficult for people to find their way? Is the Minister able to do anything to assist?

Mr. Page

There is a lot of misinformation about the 2½ in. map. I have answered previous questions about it.