Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much the Government have spent in footpath renovation and upkeep during the past five years; and what future action he intends to take to tackle this problem.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryThe maintenance of highways, including footpaths and bridleways, is the responsibility of the highway authority. The allocation of resources between their various statutory responsibilities is a matter for the authorities themselves to determine. However, the Countryside Commission has been seeking, with some success, to raise the profile of rights of way work, and to encourage the better management of these recreational assets. The Government have strongly supported its initiative.
Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has met representatives of the Countryside Commission to discuss the quality of footpaths.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State met Sir Derek Barber, Chairman of the Countryside Commission on 26 September when a number of issues were discussed. My hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment and Countryside visited the Commission's offices on 4 October for a presentation on various aspects of its work.