§ 5. Dr. Goodson-WickesTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans she has to highlight the attractions of the River Thames for the millennium. [21896]
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyA range of initiatives has been put forward to highlight the attractions of the River Thames for the millennium. We are working closely with the London tourist board, the Government office for London and private sector partners to ensure that full advantage is taken of the excellent opportunities offered by the river for the millennium and beyond.
§ Dr. Goodson-WickesMy right hon. Friend will recognise that the River Thames is arguably the least well-used river of the world's major capitals. Will she assure the House that she will seize the opportunity presented by the millennium celebrations to sweep aside all problems—financial or tidal—to ensure that the River Thames takes its rightful place as the pride of London and the country?
§ Mrs. BottomleyI strongly endorse my hon. Friend's comments. I welcome the work of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment. His Thames advisory group has done some very important work. Last week's news about the royal naval college is further encouragement. Up and down the Thames, projects are receiving investment on an unprecedented scale. My objective is precisely that of my hon. Friend: that the River Thames should retain a vital role in London.
§ Mr. SpearingThe remarks of the hon. Member for Wimbledon (Dr. Goodson-Wickes) will be echoed by all hon. Members who represent London constituencies and, I know, by the Secretary of State herself. Does she agree 7 that there needs to be proper co-ordination of the new river services to the two millennium sites at Greenwich—perhaps north of Greenwich, too—possibly under the aegis of the Port of London Authority? Does she also agree that Londoners would not appreciate development of a service oriented primarily to create a marine equivalent of the tourist hop-on hop-off buses, and would prefer it to be properly integrated with London's public passenger transport services?
§ Mrs. BottomleyI thank the hon. Gentleman for his comments. I know of his keen interest in the subject. Discussions are under way on proposals for the millennium festival at Greenwich. As the year progresses, I think that more public and private authorities will co-operate on taking the opportunity to invest in the capital. I shall certainly ensure that the hon. Gentleman's thoughts about river transport are passed on.