§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much land held by his Department he estimates would fall within the definition of open country as set out in the consultation document Access to the Open Countryside of February 1998. [71634]
§ Mr. Macdonald[holding answer 22 February 1999]The consultation document Access to the Open Countryside did not apply to Scotland where the law and traditions relating to access differ from those in England and Wales. Earlier this month my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland announced our intention to lay formal legislation for consideration by the Scottish Parliament that would introduce a right of access, to be exercised responsibly for informal recreation and passage.
The land held by the Scottish Office has not been classified according to the definition of open country set out in the consultation document.
From 1 July 1999 this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.