HC Deb 06 June 1962 vol 661 cc460-1
33. Sir E. Leather

asked the Minister of Transport what are the Bowes Committee's recommendations for the future of the Kennet and Avon Canal.

Mr. Hay

The Bowes Committee, whose Report was published in July, 1958, considered that the Kennet and Avon Canal was a case for redevelopment. It found no justification for restoring it as a through navigation from Reading to Bath and could not recommend its inclusion in a "prescribed navigable system" of inland waterways.

Sir E. Leather

While thanking my hon. Friend for that Answer, which does not get us a lot further, may I ask him whether he would confirm that this matter has been looked at again by a committee under Admiral Parham, and will he confirm or deny that that committee has recommended a constructive solution?

Mr. Hay

I do not think that my hon. Friend ought to attack me for answering the Question which he put on the Paper, but it is perfectly true that the Inland Waterways Redevelopment Advisory Committee has already looked at this and has submitted recommendations to my right hon. Friend, and they are at present being studied.