asked the Minister of Town and County Planning whether he is satisfied that footpaths closed during the war period and footpath signposts will be restored by the Spring of 1946 throughout all English counties; and what steps have been taken to urge this upon the county councils.

It will not be practicable to take the action referred to in the first part of the Question by the spring of 1946. As regards the second part, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer to his Question on 23rd October, to which I have nothing to add.