HC Deb 25 July 1962 vol 663 cc1465-6
16. Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, when making grants available to the Great Ouse River Board for a cut-off-channel and other new works, he will make it a condition that the completed waterways shall be available for use by pleasure craft and barges.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

No, Sir. The managements of the channels constructed under the Great Ouse Flood Protection Scheme is a matter for the river board.

Mr. Parker

In view of the excellent work done by the Thames Conservancy both in improving drainage and boating facilities, could not a directive or lead be given by the Minister to other bodies, like the Great Ouse River Board, to do the same?

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

The things that have been done by the Thames Conservancy Board will undoubtedly be taken into consideration by river boards in the future.