§ Mr. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons notice was not given to the statutory consultees under the Transport and Works Act about the proposed closure of footpaths and bridleways for the proposed Welsh Highland Railway Order; and if he will place a copy of his reply to the Ramblers Association concerning these issues in the Library. [4590]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe promoters of the proposed Order, the Ffestiniog Railway Company, consider that the Transport and Works Act applications rules were complied with in respect of the placing of notices and serving of documents on statutory consultees. However, in the light of representations made by the Ramblers Association and others, they have agreed to put up notices and serve documents in respect of all footpaths affected by the Order as if they were public rights of way for the purposes of the rules. Persons who wish to object to the proposals relating to footpaths will have a further six weeks in which to lodge such objection in writing with the Secretary of State. A copy of the Department's reply to the Ramblers Association will be placed in the Library.