§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made by Hertfordshire in reviewing its definitive maps of the public rights of way; when the current maps were given legal standing; and if he will make a statement as to the consequences to the county of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneHertfordshire county council started a review of the four definitive maps and statements for its area in 1977–78 but no draft revised maps and statements have as yet been prepared. The current definitive maps and statements achieved legal standing on 6 February 1959, 1 May 1959, 15 November 1968 and 12 February 1960. The review now being carried out will be affected by the transitional provisions at section 55(1) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. These provisions enable my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to direct either abandonment or completion of reviews in progress at the commencement of the new system, after consultation with the responsible county council. We shall be carrying out these consultations shortly.