Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill

Some of the amendments that we are making will enable people who need to access their property to continue to do so. The right hon. Member for Bracknell (Mr. Mackay) raised that anomaly on Report. I shall discuss that issue again later, but if I do not resolve my hon. Friend’s point, perhaps he will write to me or even raise the matter on the Second Reading of the Commons Bill, which will take place shortly after the Easter recess. Amendment No. 23 introduces arrangements to deal with existing, outstanding claims for rights of way that carry rights for mechanically propelled vehicles—byways open to all traffic or BOATs. It provides that what is now clause 67 does not apply to any claims for BOATs made before the Government made clear, on 20 January 2005, their intention to legislate following public consultation. The Welsh Assembly Government have chosen to make that date 19 May 2005, the date on which the Bill was published.