HL Deb 18 March 1999 vol 598 c117WA
The Earl of Mar and Kellie

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is their intention that the conditions for access to the open countryside in England and Wales should be brought in line with those currently in force in Northern Ireland. [HL1451]

Lord Whitty

There are significant legislative and cultural differences between Northern Ireland and England and Wales regarding access which require different approaches to access provision. A consultation on access is being considered in Northern Ireland and responsibility for any new access measures will be for the new Northern Ireland Assembly.

The Earl of Mar and Kellie

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is their intention that the conditions for access to the open countryside in England and Wales should be brought in line with those currently in force in Scotland. [HL1450]

Lord Whitty

Scotland has different patterns of land use and landscape and a different legal history from that in England and Wales. It will be for the new Scottish Parliament to legislate for new statutory access as necessary.