HC Deb 01 March 1955 vol 537 cc244-5W
61. Mr. Page

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action he is taking to increase the rate of progress in making footpath agreements or orders on long-distance routes, concerning which anxiety was expressed in the last annual report of the National Parks Commission.

Mr. Sandys

The National Parks Commission propose to carry the preliminary survey of future routes to a further stage than has hitherto been possible. This may help to relieve local authorities, some of whom find that negotiation of numerous agreements with the owners of the land puts an undue burden on their limited staff. Although the making of orders may be quicker, it is preferable to proceed by agreement wherever possible, even if this should take a little longer.