§ Dr. WoodcockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to ensure that authorities adequately carry out their duties with regard to signposting footpaths and bridleways.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryMy Department recently carried out a survey among authorities to establish the extent of signposting of footpaths and bridleways; the results have been made available to highway authorities through the County Surveyors Society and the rights of way review committee. It is for the authorities to take action as appropriate in the light of these findings, within the context of the formulation of their rights of way strategies.
§ Dr. WoodcockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what lengths of footpaths and bridleways now exist in England and Wales.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryPrecise figures are not available: however, a recent sample survey by the Countryside Commission suggests the total length of rights of way in England and Wales to be about 140,000 miles. Of this, footpaths make up 106,000 miles and bridleways 28,000 miles.