§ Mr. Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he proposes to introduce legislation to provide greater public access to the open countryside. [52270]
§ Angela EagleWe are considering carefully all options, both statutory and voluntary, in the light of extensive consultation. We intend to announce our conclusions later this year. If we decide that a new statutory right of access is necessary, we will introduce legislative proposals as soon as practicable, taking into account competing priorities for Parliamentary time.