§ 36. . Mr. W. R. Williamsasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is yet in a position to announce whether it is the Government's intention to adopt the suggestion made by the Bowes Committee of Inquiry into Inland Waterways, to establish a new and independent body to consider ways and means of dealing with redundant waterways.
§ The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Harold Watkinson)I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave on 5th November to the right hon. Member for Vauxhall (Mr. Strauss).
§ Mr. WilliamsI do not know exactly what the terms of that Answer were. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many people in the Manchester area and the local authorities are very anxious that he should take speedy action to deal with these disused and derelict canals, which are such a menace to life and health and which are retarding many development schemes which are urgently required in that area? What does he propose to do in this matter?
§ Mr. WatkinsonIssue my findings as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesCan the Minister say when he will issue those findings and when the House will be given an opportunity to consider the Report?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI hope to do it very soon.
§ Mr. WilliamsWas not that a very unsatisfactory, if not an impertinent, answer? This is a very serious matter and the right hon. Gentleman should be taking it much more seriously than his reply indicated.
§ Mr. WatkinsonWhat I said, as I said last week, was that I would issue my findings as soon as I could possibly do so. No further action can be taken until that is done.