§ 45. Major Legge-Bourkeasked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking in selecting members of river boards to ensure that the interests of boat owners and others using the rivers for navigational sport and recreation are properly safeguarded.
The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)The River Boards Act does not provide for the appointment of members to represent the interests to which the hon. and gallant Member refers.
§ Major Legge-BourkeWhile I realise that, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he proposes taking any action to encourage representations by local authorities and other interests to ensure that the interests of the users of waterways are not deliberately disregarded?
Mr. WilliamsI should have thought that the hon. and gallant Gentleman would have relied upon the representatives of local authorities to safeguard the interests he has in mind.
Colonel ClarkeDoes the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that navigational sport is not the only form of recreation that can be derived from rivers, and will he take steps to see that the interests of fishermen are also properly safeguarded?
Mr. WilliamsThat is exactly why Parliament decided, when the Act was being passed, that only revenue producers should be represented on the river boards.
§ Major Legge-BourkeWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that my hon. and gallant Friend's supplementary question is an indication of difficulties which, unless he takes some action in the matter, will result in the interests of navigation being completely overlooked?