HL Deb 11 March 1947 vol 146 cc259-61
LORD BROUGHSHANE

My Lords, I beg to ask the question standing in my name.

[The question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether their attention has been called to the danger of the public losing the centuries-old right of way along the banks of the Thames between Teddington and Cricklade, a distance of about 135 miles, by reason of the towpath being no longer used for the towing of barges; and will any necessary steps be taken to secure that this ancient right of way along the banks of the Thames, through some of the most beautiful river scenery in England, shall be preserved for public enjoyment?]

LORD HENDERSON

My Lords, the Government are not aware that there is any danger of the public losing any rights of way which they may possess along the banks of the Thames referred to. On the contrary the Thames Conservancy Hoard, who are by Statute under an obligation to provide navigational facilities from Teddington to Cricklade, recently held a conference for the express purpose of considering how the future maintenance, repair, and upkeep of the towing paths could best be achieved. That conference, which was attended by representatives from thirty-eight local authorities concerned, considered and approved in principle a resolution that the towpaths should be converted at public expense into a river walk from Teddington to Cricklade, and the public given the right of access thereto. A special committee was set up by the conference to consider the matter further and report direct to the local authorities, after which another con. ference will be called. The noble Lord will therefore see that while the public now have very limited rights of access over the towpaths except for towage purposes, if the proposals now under consideration are ultimately carried out, their position in this respect will not only be preserved but will be greatly improved.

LORD BROUGHSHANE

I am mud obliged to the noble Lord for his reply to my question, but does he not think it would be a good thing for the Government to ask to be represented on this committee? I understand that the position is very complicated, as old rights of way along the towpath exist but there are small stretches omitted. In the public interest it would be desirable that the Government should have a representative on that committee, who would report to them as to what legislation or other steps might be necessary to secure those rights.

LORD HENDERSON

I will convey the suggestion of the noble Lord to my right honourable friend, the Minister of Town and Country Planning.

LORD STRABOLGI

Is not my noble friend rather surprised at this advocacy of the public interest from the other side of the House?