§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions have taken place between his Department and the rights of way review committee, Ramblers Association and others about changes to plant health orders which may lead to temporary closure of footpaths where rhizomania is found.
§ Mr. RyderMy officials have attended meetings of the rights of way review committee and my noble Friend has been in correspondence with its chairman, my hon. Friend the Member for Saffron Walden (Mr. Haselhurst), about this matter. Public access to any premises declared infected with rhizomania has to be restricted in order to prevent the spread of this serious disease. We accept that it is desirable to use powers under plant health legislation to restrict access and we intend to make appropriate provision shortly.