Footpaths and Bridleways

HC Deb 05 March 1979 vol 963 cc441-3W

Mr. Dodsworth

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations he has had with riding organisations about the importance of bridleways; what was the outcome of those consultations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Marks

My right hon. Friend the Minister of State received a delegation last July from the British Horse Society to discuss the implications for horse riders of a certain legal judgment. I recognise the importance of bridleways and am currently awaiting policy advice from the Countryside Commission in the light of comments by riding and other interests on a draft statement about which they were consulted about a year ago.

Mr. Dodsworth

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will undertake to publish a new review of the definition of footpaths and bridleways on Ordnance Survey maps during the current year.

Mr. Marks

Not at present, but we shall be happy to consider any representations which the hon. Member or affected interests may make to us.

Mr. Dodsworth

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that local authorities make sufficient use of their powers under sections 27 and 28 of the Highways Act 1959 to make creation orders for new bridleways and footpaths; and if he will outline the criteria used to decide whether such an order would be appropriate.

Mr. Marks

There are no criteria for making creation agreements and orders other than those set out in sections 27 and 28 of the Highways Act 1959.

We have no figures available of the number of agreements made between local authorities and landowners, but 42 compulsory orders were made in the year ending March 1977. We have no reason to believe that there is any general dissatisfaction about the use made by local authorities of these powers.

Mr. Dodsworth

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy with regard to the diversion of bridleways to take account of bulls; and if he will consider seeking the same powers of diversion to avoid stallions.

Mr. Marks

The Government's policy with regard to the diversion of footpaths and bridleways to take account of bulls was explained in the Second Reading debate on the Countryside Bill, but as indicated on that occasion, we intend to put forward amendments in Committee based on alternative proposals which have been suggested jointly by the amenity, farming and landowning organisations. We have, however, no plans at present to extend the diversion provisions to apply to animals other than bulls.