HC Deb 10 March 1971 vol 813 cc406-7
39. Mr. Carter

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he proposes an increase in the amount of public funds available to renovate Great Britain's canal system.

Mr. Peyton

Exchequer grant-in-aid to the British Waterways Board has risen from £1.5 million in 1969–70 to £1.85 million in 1970–71, and is likely to rise still further in 1971–72.

Mr. Carter

I thank the Minister for that reply. Does he agree that Britain's canal system now provides, and can provide in future, a valuable amenity? Does he further agree that the canal which links my constituency to that of his right hon. Friend the Member for Worcester (Mr. Pester Walker), the Birmingham and Worcester Canal, is in desperate need of further Government assistance?

Mr. Peyton

I agree with the hon. Gentleman that the canals offer a valuable amenity, but they are a very expensive one.

Mr. Rost

Is my right hon. Friend aware that recently I travelled by canal from the London area to my constituency in Derbyshire and found it very slow going, particularly in the Tamworth, Rugby and Nuneaton areas, due to the many obstacles in the canals such as old car wrecks, prams and cookers? May we have a further allocation of funds so that our canals can provide greater leisure facilities?

Mr. Peyton

I should like, on behalf of the whole House, to congratulate my hon. Friend on the way in which he keeps the spirit of adventure alive in an otherwise dull world. If he tells me where he finds the worst obstacles, I will go and, if I can, get them out myself.

Mr. Rankin

Will the right hon. Gentleman break down the figures and tell us the expenditure on the Scottish canal system?

Mr. Peyton

If the hon. Gentleman puts down a Question, I am sure that he will get a very good reply from the responsible Minister.

Mr. Rankin

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. The Question refers to expenditure in Great Britain. Does not that include Scotland?

Mr. Speaker

That is not a point of order.

Mr. Mulley

I am sure that the House is grateful to the Minister for his prospective labours in trying to restore more mileage of the canals, but we need more than that. I hope that, in view of rising prices, he will not be too complacent about the very small increase forecast for this current year for improving the canal system. Will he try to add a little money to his labours?

Mr. Peyton

I would hate to promise any more money.