§ Mr. K. Thompsonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the reasons for the delay in reaching a decision about the disputed diversion of a footpath at Aintree, near Liverpool: and if he will hake an early statement.
§ Mr. H. MacmillanThe West Lancashire Rural District Council made an order under Section 42 of the National Parks Act, 1949, to divert the public path crossing the proposed Aintree motor racing track, and submitted the order to me for confirmation. Objections to the order were made, and an inquiry was held on 4th November. I am precluded by the Section from confirming the order unless I am satisfied that the diversion will not be substantially less convenient to the public than the existing path. The issue was difficult, but I am satisfied as a result of the inquiry that I cannot, by the terms of the Section, confirm the order. I have so informed the council and the owner of the proposed track.