§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, as part of his farm and countryside initiative, he will introduce legislation to empower persons or bodies other than the relevant highway authority, land owner or occupier to carry out work on public rights of way; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gummer[holding answer 27 November 1987]: Legislation on highways is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport.
416WHowever, under the farm and countryside initiative I have already sponsored several projects involving long-term unemployed people maintaining and improving public rights of way on private land.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he has taken, or will be taking, to monitor the effectiveness of the code of practice "Ploughing and Rights of Way" published by his Department in July 1986 and to ensure that its provisions are complied with by farmers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gummer[holding answer 27 November 1987]: The Countryside Commission and the Ramblers' Association are monitoring the effects of the ploughing code. ADAS staff in this field take account of its case provisions when advising farmers.