§ 49. Mr. Harrisonasked the Prime Minister if he will consider the setting up of a Royal Commission to inquire into the condition of our inland waterways and drainage systems, with a view to making recommendations for the avoidance of extensive flooding and the greater utilisation of our rivers and canals for transport and to inquire into the present state of river pollution.
§ The Prime MinisterSub-committees of the Central Advisory Water Committee and of the Scottish Water Advisory Committee have already been set up to review the law relating to the prevention of the pollution of rivers and streams. Under the Transport Bill the principal canal and inland navigation undertakings will vest in the British Transport Commission whose duty it will be to use them to the best advantage. As to flooding, I am not satisfied at present as to the need for the action suggested but I will bear it in mind when the immediate urgency has passed and the reports from the different Departments which are keeping in close touch with the situation have been considered.
§ Mr. HarrisonWould the Prime Minister accept the view that the present position in regard to the diversity of responsibility for this work is most unsatisfactory, and also that the financial responsibility for these matters is unsatisfactory?
§ The Prime MinisterI am not prepared to accept that off hand, but I do not think that a Royal Commission is the best way to deal with it.
§ Mr. DribergCould the Prime Minister say if we can take it that, when the Transport Bill is in effect, the canals and other waterways will be better kept up and used than in the past, and, in particular, that they will not be arbitrarily closed down as they have been in the interests of the railways' profits?
§ Mr. WalkdenWill my right hon. Friend examine afresh the whole problem of catchment and drainage boards? In South Yorkshire alone, which is an industrial area, one township has been flooded six times in 15 years, and the people still have to pay rates and they are still in jeopardy today.
§ The Prime MinisterThe catchment board business is a very complicated question. I know that a great deal of progress has been made since my noble friend Lord Addison introduced his Bill, which was carried. Great improvement have been made, particularly with the River Don.
§ Mr. PickthornHas the right hon. Gentleman any doubts whether the catchment boards could have done their work effectively if there had been proper advice and guidance from the central Government?
§ The Prime MinisterThat seems to be a reflection on my predecessors here.