HC Deb 19 March 1999 vol 327 c575W
Mr. Maclean

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the application of his proposals for access to the countryside to Ministry of Defence property; what assessment he has made of the effect of the proposals on (i) security and (ii) property prices; and what consultations he has held with Ministers in the Ministry of Defence on this issue. [76280]

Mr. Meacher

The Government's proposal for a new statutory of access to open countryside will apply to mountain, moor, heath, down and registered common land. Provision will be made for the Ministry of Defence to continue to close land, or otherwise restrict access, where necessary, in the interests of defence. Provision will also be made to close land, or otherwise restrict access, on grounds of conservation, land management and health and safety. The new right of access will not apply to developed land or to agricultural land other than that used for extensive grazing.

An economic appraisal study for the Government by independent consultants supports the view that the economic impact on property prices is likely to be limited.

In developing the Government's proposals, I have consulted Ministerial colleagues in all Departments with an interest, including the Ministry of Defence.

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