HC Deb 13 November 1980 vol 992 c284W
Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for Employment, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Rugby on 11 November, what were the contents of the representations which he received about "diamond lattice" cattle grids; and what steps he intends to take concerning such grids and their dangers to walkers.

Mr. Mayhew

Of the four representations, one from a member of the public and the two from the Ramblers Association—one of which was redirected from the Ministry of Agriculture—drew attention to a cautionary article in Vol. 10, No. 3 of The Association's journalRucksack. This article dealt with perceived hazards to walkers from the use of diamond lattice type cattle grids. The fourth representation, a letter from a member of the public, made similar points.

As Her Majesty's Agricultural Inspectorate has received no reports of any accidents involving this type of grid my right hon. Friend has no plans at present to take any action regarding their use on private land. Their use on highways is a matter for the appropriate highway authority.