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Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill

My Lords, I, too, add my support to the amendment in the name of the noble Baroness, Lady Byford. We are now down to a small point about which of the two dates is the most acceptable. We are talking about a decision that impacts on how much damage will be done to the footpath network. I have evidence that the difference between 19 May 2005 and the amendment’s suggestion of 9 December 2003 will affect as many as 1,000 tracks in England and Wales. We are already dealing with a retrospective date, so the principle of a date in the past is conceded by everybody, including the Government. I appeal to the Minister, even at this late stage, to find it in his heart to accept the amendment moved by the noble Baroness. There would be widespread support across the House from those of us who care about the green lanes and networks.