§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will bring forward proposals to increase significantly the severity of sanctions against developers who proceed with works which render public footpaths unusable without securing the necessary legal authority to stop up or divert the path.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryAny failure of developers to observe the proper procedures in respect of public rights of way is to be deplored, but powers are already available to enable authorities to take appropriate action in such cases and we are therefore not convinced that further legislation is necessary.