§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek to amend the Countryside Act so as to protect roads used as public paths reclassified as bridleways from being destroyed by ploughing, the erection of gates and the removal of hedgerows.
§ Mr. Denis HowellNo. However, I share the concern underlying the hon. Member's Question. We are examining the statutory provisions relating to bridleways and footpaths in general to see if any changes are needed. We are also awaiting the Countryside Commission's considered views on the maintenance of tree cover, the protection of historic countryside features and other matters covered in the public discussion of the report on new agricultural landscapes.