asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to monitor and ensure the compliance by farmers with the code of practice on ploughing and rights of way published jointly by his Ministry and the Countryside Commission in July 1986.

Both the Countryside Commission and the Ramblers' Association are monitoring the effects of the ploughing code. ADAS staff in the field are aware of the code's provisions and will take account of it when advising farmers in circumstances where it is relevant.