§ 3.7 p.m.
§ LORD SORENSENMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what action has been taken to ensure that county councils and other authorities periodically inspect traditional footpaths and where it is discovered that those footpaths have been ploughedup or obstructed, to ensure that they be restored to public usage or nearby alternatives be provided.]
BARONESS LLEWELYNDAVIES OF HASTOEMy Lords, measures to safeguard footpaths, and to assert and protect public rights of way, are the statutory duty of the highway authorities. My right honourable friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government issued a circular to local authorities in 1968 advising them, in the absence of any action by the occupier, to take action themselves, under their new powers, to restore paths after ploughing. My right honourable friend has received very few complaints about the way in which local authorities are carrying out their duties, but he will of course look into any cases which my noble friend likes to send to him.
§ LORD SORENSENMy Lords, while thanking my noble friend for that reply, may I ask her whether she is aware that in some cases county councils and similar authorities have put up signposts? Since they are of a permanent nature, and therefore extremely valuable in preserving these very valuable byways, could she not at least see that the various authorities responsible for this service to the community are acquainted with their powers?
BARONESS LLEWELYNDAVIES OF HASTOEMy Lords, I think that they are acquainted with the position. Indeed, all the evidence which the Ministry have is that there are very few complaints about their not carrying out these duties. But, of course, if my noble friend has specific instances, I shall be very glad to go into them.