Written question asked by Anthony Steen (Conservative) on Monday, 7 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 March 2005. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Thursday, 10 March 2005 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 24th February, 431 c773W, on footpaths, for how many footpaths the Secretary of State has issued a direction authorising continued closure in each of the last five years; for what reasons in each case; and when she expects each to be re-opened. - Inc fact that will write.

Answer: Mr. Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 24 February 2005, Official Report, column 773W, on footpaths, for how many footpaths the Secretary of State has issued a direction authorising continued closure in each of the last five years; for what reasons in each case; and when she expects each to be re-opened. [221202] Alun Michael: It will take some time to assemble this information from Government regional offices as files are having to be called back from depositories. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as it is available. The reasons for authorising extended temporary closure fall into two categories: either to protect public safety or to allow for completion of works. It is not possible to say when each footpath under a temporary closure will be re-opened as this is a matter for the local highway authority. Government offices are required to take care to ensure that no temporary order (or subsequent extensions) will allow, in effect, the permanent closure of a public right of way.

Secondary information