HC Deb 02 August 1978 vol 955 cc727-9
2. Mr. Durant

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he intends next to meet the chairman of the British Waterways Board.

The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr. William Rodgers)

I have no present plans to do so.

Mr. Durant

In view of the decision of this House on Monday, when discussing the new Transport Bill, to prepare a plan for the future of inland waterways, and following his announcement about London docks, may I ask the Minister to discuss with the chairman of the British Waterways Board the future of Brantford Dock, which is most important to the British Waterways Board? Is he aware that his decision may affect this dock rather adversely?

Mr. Rodgers

The hon. Gentleman made an important and well considered speech on Monday during the course of debate on the Bill, which I am glad to say is now an Act of Parliament. The responsibility for waterways still lies with the Secretary of State for the Environment. Obviously, I shall be concerned with the commercial aspects of what the hon. Gentleman may have in mind. In the spirit of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question I shall have discussions with him.

Mr. Douglas-Mann

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that it would be desirable for the British Waterways Board to be responsible for all the relevant waterways, including rivers as well as canals? Will he make arrangements with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment to ensure that these responsibilities come under his aegis?

Is he aware that the waterways offer an opportunity to provide freight transport at a much lower cost in terms of resources, energy, pollution and in every other important respect which could be utilized—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Member is arguing a case now, not asking a question.

Mr. Douglas-Mann

rose—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Member has asked two questions. He must let the Minister reply.

Mr. Rodgers

I am happy to acquire further responsibility for all forms of transport, but this is a matter for the Prime Minister, not for me. Certainly, I accept, as does my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, the need to co-ordinate transport in all forms, including transport on water.

Mr. Stephen Ross

In view of the known antagonism of the Minister of State, Department of the Environment, to the British Waterways Board and its present chairman, does not the Secretary of State consider that it would be advisable for him to make representations to the Secretary of State for the Environment with a view to taking over control of the canals himself, as there is great support for their remaining independent?

Mr. Rodgers

I do not think that I accept the hon. Gentleman's rendering of the relationship between the chairman of the British Waterways Board and my right hon. Friend the Minister of State as "the known antagonism". There may have been differences of opinion, but I do not think they extend that far. I am happy to look at these matters, but I must be careful not to poach on the grounds of one of my colleagues.

Mr. Fry

Although I do not want to intrude into the private quarrels between the Minister concerned and the chairman of the British Waterways Board—whose antagonism is undoubted—will the Secretary of State confirm, following the important debate on Monday, that waterways have an important part to play in our future overall transport policy, even if only a minor one? I accept and appreciate that he is not the Minister responsible, but does he not agree that there is a case for a continuing future for the British Waterways Board?

Mr. Rodgers

I think I agree with almost all the hon. Gentleman says. Important, yes; minor, probably; but we should not dismiss the possible role for waterways, and I do not think my right hon. Friend the Minister of State would do so either.