§ Mr. Edgeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will carry out an investigation into the problem caused by public footpaths crossing farmland in urban areas, with a view to rationalising existing patterns.
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§ Mr. MarksI have been asked to reply.
In the White Paper on sport and recreation (Cmnd. 6200) the Government recognised that there was scope for local initiatives to modify the existing networks of public paths. Discussions were subsequently held with the interests concerned and the Countryside Commission has undertaken a study of the problems involved in order to identify any changes needed in the administrative or legislative framework. The study will cover a range of different farming patterns and pressures for recreation, including those in urban areas.