asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he has now completed his examination of the Report of the Special Committee on Footpaths and Access to the Countryside; and what action he has taken so far to implement the recommendations.

I cannot add to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for East Islington (Mr. E. Fletcher) on 10th February.

In view of the fact that I have not got that answer with me, can my right hon. Friend say what has actually taken place so far which has not involved legislation, and, in particular, what request he has made that an early survey should be made of the existing rights of way and footpaths?

The answer on 10th February was to the effect that the whole matter was being examined.

When does my right hon. Friend expect to be in a position to give a definite reply?

I could not say.

Will my right hon. Friend see that due consideration is given to the Report of the Water Advisory Committee on Gathering Grounds before coming to conclusions on this matter, as that Report is complementary to the one referred to in the Question?

That is an example of the complexity of the question.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that while this process of examination is going on, more and more footpaths and rights of way are being closed all over the country, and that this is causing great disturbance?