A NORTH Yorkshire Tory MP and a Government Minister have clashed in a Parliamentary debate over footpath opening during the foot and mouth crisis.

Anne McIntosh claimed the opening of two footpaths in the county was "irresponsible", while she was described as "muddled" by Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael.

Ms McIntosh said North Yorkshire County Council had been put under pressure by the Rural Task Force to open the paths - which run through farmland in Tockwith and Crayke.

She said farmers were worried walkers would spread foot and mouth disease and wanted the footpaths to be closed, claiming the farm in Tockwith was within three miles of an already affected area.

She added: "The Government behaved in an utterly irresponsible and inappropriate manner by putting unwarranted pressure on counties like North Yorkshire.

"Let us put all the Government resources into eradication of the disease, and let's keep walkers with or without dogs away from livestock until the disease is over. Then the walkers will return in comfort and safety, posing no further threat to livestock."

But Mr Michael accused her of getting her facts wrong and "contributing to the muddle" over foot and mouth.

He said the path in Tockwith was 12 miles from the nearest affected area, and she was referring to an area where animal movement was restricted.

He stressed there was no question of opening paths near disease hot spots.

Local authorities still had powers to close paths where necessary and those within 3km of an affected premise.

But he added: "There is generally no reason for keeping paths shut provided people follow sensible precautions. The continued closure of footpaths is devastating to the rural economy."

Closed footpaths had been taken as a signal that the entire countryside was closed, he said.

Mr Michael said he would be considering further requests from local authorities to keep particular paths closed, with decisions made by July 13.

All other paths would reopen a week later.

He stressed the importance of the summer holiday period to the rural economy.

"I'm most concerned to encourage people to enjoy the countryside in all the areas this can be done with no risk or minimal risk of spread of the disease.

"There's no reason why the vast majority of the countryside should not be well and truly open by the summer holidays," he said.

Rounding on Ms McIntosh, he said: "Suggesting any risk is involved is itself irresponsible unless you or those who have written to you can present any evidence."

Updated: 08:59 Thursday, July 05, 2001