HL Deb 25 May 2000 vol 613 cc112-3WA
Lord Hardy of Wath

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What consideration has been given to the dumping of litter or waste upon private land in connection with the proposed extension of access; what action (a) the owner or occupier of open land and (b) police forces will be able to take to prevent or respond to the problem. [HL2546]

Lord Whitty

The right of access to open countryside provided for in the Countryside and Rights of Way Bill is limited to those who enter onto land on foot for the purposes of open-air recreation. The Bill provides that those who exercise the right of access must abide by sensible restrictions, including a requirement not to deposit any rubbish or leave any litter. Leaving litter on access land will also be an offence. The Bill does not give people any right to enter onto land for the purpose of dumping litter or waste, nor does it oblige landowners to facilitate access for that purpose. We do not expect that the Bill will generally lead to a significant increase in littering on open country. Access authorities will be able to provide assistance with wardening where problems may occur.