§ 14. Mr. Berryasked the Minister of Transport what recent representations he has received from the waterways community about the effects of the Transport Bill on their interests; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. CarmichaelA large number of individuals and organisations concerned with transport, fishing, water supply, boating drainage and other uses of the waterways have commented on the Bill and it would be impracticable in an answer to a Parliamentary Question to summarise the replies that have been sent to them.
§ Mr. BerryIs the hon. Gentleman aware that Schedule 12 of the Transport Bill, which lists the cruising waterways amongst other matters, was not discussed either in Committee or on the Report stage because of the Guillotine and that it omits large sections of our waterways which those concerned feel should be part of the Bill? Will he look again at this and see whether at a later stage 1093 these parts could not be added to the Schedule?
§ Mr. CarmichaelThis matter was discussed in principle on the Bill and the fact that we were not able to reach certain Clauses is not the responsibility of the Government. But the hon. Gentleman must be aware of the attitude of the Government to the inland waterways. We are anxious to get the maximum from them for recreational facilities for the nation and this is provided for in the Bill.