Written question asked by Baroness Byford (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 June 2006.

Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000: Maps

Question: In the light of the National Audit Office report on The Right of Access to Open Countryside, whether they will accept the recommendation that the Countryside Agency should pilot test any work required for its 10-year review of access land maps in order to develop accurate estimates of the likely cost.

Answer: The Countryside Agency has already recognised the need for a thorough re-evaluation of its existing mapping methodology before undertaking the statutory review of the maps of open country and registered common land. The agency has established a mapping review project to identify the likely cost of mapping and to consider any changes to its mapping approach. The agency will consider whether to pilot test any work in advance of the review of the maps in the light of the outcomes of the mapping review project.

Secondary information