§ 13. Dr. Doug Naysmith (Bristol, North-West)What response he has received from British Waterways to the recent announcement of increased resources; and what indication British Waterways has given him of how those resources will be used. [73425]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Mr. Alan Meale)British Waterways has enthusiastically welcomed the Government's extra investment, which will enable it to reduce its £90 million backlog of urgent safety-related maintenance.
§ Dr. NaysmithDoes my hon. Friend believe, as I do, that the South West regional development agency will have a part to play in encouraging the use of inland waterways?
§ Mr. MealeI know that my hon. Friend has a long history of interest in British canals and waterways. I agree that the economic strategy for our waterways needs to be tied into the strategy of the regional development 169 agencies. I have written to the chairmen of all those bodies asking them to meet me, and that will happen very shortly.
§ Mr. Michael Fabricant (Lichfield)That answer will cut no ice with canal users in Staffordshire. Does the Minister realise that his boss, the Deputy Prime Minister—who, I understand, is currently scuba diving in the Seychelles—has overridden an inspector's report so that the Birmingham northern relief road will cut straight across the Lichfield-Hafherton canal? Will he call on the right hon. Gentleman to return from his holiday and do something about that?
§ Mr. MealeOnce again, the hon. Gentleman is wrong. Ministers had a telephone conversation this morning with the Deputy Prime Minister and he is still in India. I assure the hon. Gentleman that due regard was paid to proper procedure during the consultation that was carried out on the Birmingham northern relief road, and a judicial inquiry was held. People from British Waterways, especially those in Staffordshire and elsewhere, are enthusiastic about the Government's recent announcements and we have letters to prove that.