§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he has taken(a) to preserve existing rights of way which are suitable for use by the disabled and (b) to increase the number of rights of way accessible to the disabled. [38565]
§ Angela EagleMy Department, through the Countryside Commission, supports the valuable work of the Fieldfare Trust in promoting access to the countryside. The rights of way network is one means by which everyone can enjoy the countryside. We commend the recently publishedBT Countryside for All Good Practice Guide which contains standards and guidelines on access to the countryside which take disabled people's needs into account. Local authorities, which have statutory responsibilities for rights of way, should make themselves aware of the Guide. They should also be aware of their duties and responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.