HC Deb 26 February 1958 vol 583 c375
58. Mr. W. R. Williams

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation when he expects to receive the Report of the Bowes Committee of Inquiry into inland waterways.

Mr. Nugent

I understand that the drafting of the Report is now in hand, but as the evidence has been voluminous and drawn from a wide field of interests it will be some weeks before the Report is complete.

Mr. Williams

In thanking the Minister for that very encouraging reply, might I ask whether it is possible to have an interim publication dealing particularly with the disused canals many of which are not only a hazard to life and health but are also handicapping the housing and development authorities in getting on with their schemes? Is there no possibility of having an interim publication on that score?

Mr. Nugent

Many conflicting interests have to be reconciled by this Committee, and I think we had better leave the Committee to complete its final Report. Its members know that we want it as quickly as possible.