§ 2.59 p.m.
§ Order off the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ THE MINISTER. OF STATE, SCOTTISH OFFICE (LORD CRAIGTON)My Lords, I beg to move that this Bill be now read a second time. The effect of this short Bill is to remove the obligations on the British Transport Commission to keep the Forth and Clyde Canal maintained and open for the purposes of navigation. It does not affect in any way the Commission's other duties or respon- 658 sibilities for maintaining the canal for the supply of industrial water and for public health and safety precautions.
The Bowes Committee recommended in 1958 that the balance of economic advantage lay in the redevelopment of the canal as a water channel but closed to navigation. Comparatively little use is now made of the canal. In the last three years 210 fishing boat passages and 123 private boat passages have been made on average each year from sea to sea. There is no longer any freight traffic. There is no angling interest. The sea-fishing interests were consulted before it was decided to proceed with the Bill, and those concerned with pleasure boating have also had the opportunity of stating their case. None of the Armed Forces needs the canal. The Government's view is that the disadvantages are well outweighed by the savings which will accrue to highway authorities and the Commission through closure to navigation.
Such closure will enable local authorities now to get ahead with the replacement of roads and bridges which are vital to the Scottish economy. The cost of desirable road improvements if provided by new opening bridges would amount to some £2½ million, but the replacement of the old opening bridges by fixed bridges or culverts on a closed canal would enable almost 90 per cent. of this expenditure to be saved. On one canal crossing alone, at the Denny bypass on the Glasgow-Stirling road, which should be completed in the summer of 1963, a saving of £150,000 would be effected.
The canal, which was once a traffic artery, now in fact constitutes a barrier. While the prospect of having the canal closed to navigation may raise nostalgic thoughts, it must, I think, be accepted that closure will enable the needs of modern traffic to be met more effectively. I therefore ask your Lordships to give the Bill your approval, and I beg to move.
§ Moved, that the Bill be now read 2a.—(Lord Craigton.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a and committed to an Unopposed Bill Committee.