Ministers are to investigate claims North Yorkshire County Council was placed under unfair pressure to re-open footpaths closed due to the foot and mouth crisis.

The issue was raised by Vale of York MP Anne McIntosh during a Parliamentary debate last night.

The Conservative MP asked Margaret Beckett, the new Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary, to make a statement on the issue.

She told the Commons: "Will she today express her regret that the Rural Task Force may have brought unnecessary force to bear on North Yorkshire County Council, making the council reach a decision - during the General Election and while county councillors were being re-elected - to re-open many footpaths which will result in contact between livestock and human beings?

"One particular footpath at Tockwith is causing concern because it is less than two miles from an infected area.

"Surely such footpaths should not be re-opened at this time."

Mrs Beckett said she was "not aware" of the issue raised by Miss McIntosh - but promised to investigate.

The Cabinet minister said: "We are mindful of getting the balance right between risk of infection and freedom of movement.

"The Minister for Rural Affairs, Alun Michael, will look into the issue that she raises. The more detail that she can give us, the more helpful it will be."

The Government yesterday announced it was scaling down foot and mouth restrictions and promised to re-open most footpaths by the summer.

Mrs Beckett told the Commons she was looking to revoke the remaining blanket closures of public rights of way in favour of a more selective policy.

Updated: 16:17 Friday, June 22, 2001