§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware of the concern in Nottinghamshire and elsewhere that bridlepaths and lanes, 424W some of which have existed since the Domesday Book was compiled, will disappear if his proposals to reclassify public rights of way are approved; what representations he has received; and whether he will reconsider his proposals.
§ Mr. Graham PageThe Countryside Act 1968 makes provision for the reclassification by county councils of "roads used as public paths" as by-ways open to all traffic, bridleways or footpaths. It also lays upon my right hon. and learned Friend the duty, if objections or representations are duly made within a four-month period in respect of reclassification proposals and not subsequently withdrawn, of causing a local inquiry to be held before taking a decision.
I am aware that there have been objections to reclassification proposals published by Nottinghamshire County Council on 26th July 1973. The four-month period has not yet expired.