asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to rationalise the law relating to public footpaths.

Following the statement of the Government's views in paragraph 53 of the White Paper on Sport and Recreation (Cmnd. 6200) about the scope for local initiatives to modify the existing networks of public paths, discussions were held with the interests concerned, and the Countryside Commission has undertaken a study of the problems involved, in order to identify any changes needed in the administrative or legislative framework. Ways are being examined of simplifying other parts of the law relating to public paths, including reviews of definitive maps of public rights of way.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the cost to public funds of maintaining public footpaths.

Local highway authorities are responsible for maintaining public footpaths in their area. Details of expenditure incurred are not held centrally by the Department, and I regret that the information sought by the hon. Member could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.