§ 4. Mr. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will make a statement about access to the countryside for recreational use, with particular reference to fell running, orienteering and water sports.
§ Mr. KeyThe Government's policy is to promote access to the countryside for recreational use of all kinds, while respecting property rights, conservation interests and the needs of rural development and agriculture.
§ Mr. BennettThe Minister will recall that, just before the summer recess, I drew to the then Secretary of State's attention the problem that was being created by North West Water and the Forestry Commission threatening to charge orienteers and fell runners for access to their land. He said that, although he was not a runner, he would look into the matter. Is the Minister aware that, as a result of that and other questions and publicity, it looks as though North West Water and the Forestry Commission are backing off from imposing charges? Will the hon. Gentleman welcome that step and make it clear that he does not believe that sporting organisations should be charged for access, particularly to areas of outstanding natural beauty to which they go for fell running and orienteering?
§ Mr. KeyFell walking and orienteering should be encouraged in the countryside. There has been movement, which I am delighted to endorse. However, I understand that the water companies and the Forestry Commission never intended to charge individuals for access to their property. They sought only to ensure that the substantial costs involved when that activity took place were covered where there were formal programmes of training or large events taking place.