§ Mr. David Clarkasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many miles of public footpaths there are in England; what was the corresponding figure for each of the last ten years; how many miles have been affected by total closure; and how many miles of new public footpaths have been created.
§ Mr. Graham PageThis information is not available. However, details are sent to the Department by highway authorities in returns of road mileage which they provide in connection with the assessment of rate support grant. The figures are estimates by highway authorities and cover both footpaths and bridle-ways. Figures are not available for the period prior to 1969, but the estimated mileage of public paths in England as shown on the returns for 1969 to 1971 is as follows.
1st April, 1969 101,945 miles 1st April, 1970 100,621 miles 1st April, 1971 103,399 miles