§ 2.35 p.m.
§ LORD CHORLEYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress has been made with the survey of rights of way in Yorkshire (East Riding) and what steps they propose to take to expedite the completion of the survey in that county.]
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES (LORD MITCHISON)My Lords, the East Riding County Council carried out the first stage of the statutory process by publishing a draft map of footpaths and bridleways in the county in 1953. I understand that further action has been in suspense owing to the large number of objections. My right honourable friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government, has recently written to the County Council 456 expressing his concern at the delay. Their reply is now awaited.
§ LORD CHORLEYMy Lords, I thank the Minister for his reply. Does he not think that, twelve years after this draft map was published, the local authority ought at any rate to have made a start on dealing with the numerous objections to which he has referred? Is not a period of twelve years, in which really nothing has been done, altogether unforgivable; and cannot we take rather stronger steps than just writing a letter to the local authority, to see that it carries out the duty which is put upon it by the Act of Parliament?
§ LORD MITCHISONMy Lords, my right honourable friend has power to give directions, and he would be prepared to do so in this instance if it seemed desirable. I understand that his letter mentioned this possibility.