Right-to-roam details next month

15 January 1999

Right-to-roam details next month

THE Government will not release its proposals for increased access to the countryside until next month, at the earliest.

Despite the introduction of Labour MP Gordon Prentices private members Bill in Parliament this week a spokesman for environment minister Michael Meacher said Government plans would not be published this month.

Mr Prentices Bill includes clauses which would remove farming subsidies from landowners who obstruct footpaths.

The spokesman added that Mr Meacher had met Mr Prentice and told him that ministers were still considering the options to improve public access to the countryside. Mr Meacher would study Mr Prentices Bill with interest, the spokesman said.

Mr Prentices Bill is unlikely ever to secure enough parliamentary time to become law. It will, however, be debated on 26 March.

As well as removing subsidies from those who blocked footpaths, the Prentice Bill also proposes that payments should be withheld from farmers who refused to sign a declaration providing the public with a right of access.