HC Deb 13 February 1997 vol 290 cc308-9W
Mr. Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has to strengthen the law in relation to the protection of rights of way in Scotland. [15668]

Mr. Kynoch

The Government wish to promote responsible access to Scotland's countryside and considers that this can better be achieved through voluntary arrangements than by legislation. Established rights of way are already protected in law. In general, other access issues are better tackled through initiatives such as the access concordat concluded last year, and Scottish Natural Heritage's "Paths for All" project.