§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment why he has not approved the draft review of the definitive map for Berkshire, showing those paths to which the public enjoys access as of right; what has been the reason for the delay; and when approval, with or without modification, will be given.
§ Mr. WaldegraveAbout 1,800 objections were received to Berkshire's draft review map and staff resources have not been available to consider and determine these within a reasonable time scale. My right hon. Friend now proposes shortly to direct the county council to abandon this review and it will then be able to implement the new and simpler procedure for keeping definitive maps up to date which was introduced by the 153W Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Following abandonment of the review, effect will be given by the county to unopposed proposals contained in the draft review map.