§ Mr. Carol Johnsonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action he proposes to take on the suggestion recently made to him by the Central Rights of Way Committee that he should set up a committee, on the lines of the Hobhouse Committee which reported in 1947, to inquire into necessary amendments to the law of highways regarding rights of way.
§ Mr. MacCollMy right hon. Friend does not think a committee of inquiry is called for. Proposals for amendment of 45W the law on this subject have recently been submitted by the Central Rights of Way Committee and also by one of the study groups which reported to last week's conference on the Countryside in 1970. They are now being carefully studied in connection with the Government's wider proposals for the countryside which my right hon. Friend the Minister of Land and Natural Resources announced at that conference.
My right hon. Friend will keep in close touch with the Central Rights of Way Committee and other interested bodies in working, out the detailed legislative proposals.