§ Mr. DenhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what guidelines his Department follows in effecting temporary diversions of footpaths as a consequence of the construction of trunk roads and motorways; and if he will place a copy in the Library.
Mr. CarlisleMy right hon. Friend does not rely upon guidelines. He follows the statutory procedures laid down512W in the Highways Act 1980. Section 14 empowers him to deal in various ways with affected footpaths by stopping them up, by altering or diverting them, and by providing new ones. On occasion the local highway authority exercise these powers on his behalf. The statutory procedures for making and confirming the requisite orders are set out in the first schedule to the Act; they require the publishing of draft orders, the consideration of objections and the holding as necessary of a local inquiry.