To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of the Government's proposals on access to the countryside on levels of rural crime; and if he will make a statement. [16632]

We have made no such assessment. We will take account of concerns about the impact of rural crime when we draw up our detailed proposals to give effect to our manifesto commitment to give people greater freedom to explore open countryside.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals the Government have to ensure that increased public access to the countryside will not provide increased opportunities for rural crime. [16628]

People may make known any concerns in their responses to our consultation paper on how to implement our commitment to give greater freedom to explore open countryside. We intend to issue this consultation paper shortly. We will take account of the responses in drawing up our more detailed proposals.