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Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Addington (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Tuesday, 23 January 2007.

Economy: Outdoor Recreation

Question: My Lords, the Minister has recognised the health benefits from this. How much are the Government prepared to spend on, for instance, making sure that footpaths are signposted and that many of them are available throughout the year, perhaps by building better surfaces? How can that be offset against higher spending in the Department of Health? If this calculation has not been done, is it not about time that it was?

Answer: My Lords, my impression is that it is not Governments that keep footpaths open. Governments can commit the countryside to be available to the nation, as we did with the right to roam in the Act that we passed a few years ago. It is the voluntary activity and insistence of meritorious organisations such as the Ramblers Association that keeps footpaths open and available to the public.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 688 c1001
Session: 2006-07
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Cycling Economic situation Outdoor recreation Tourism Walking Climbing
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk