HL Deb 01 December 1964 vol 261 cc987-8

2.52 p.m.

LORD WAKEFIELD OF KENDAL

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether an assurance can be given that, where the extension of the M.6 from Lancaster to Penrith crosses the Lancaster-Kendal Canal, bridges and not culverts will be used, in order to ensure navigation of the canal in Westmorland.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT (LORD LINDGREN)

My Lords, the extension of the M.6 will cross the canal at several points. My right honourable friend has agreed to provide sufficient clearance to permit pleasure boats to continue to use the 42 miles of the canal they at present use, except possibly for a few hundred yards at Tewitfield, at the extreme northern end of this usable section. The remaining twelve miles stretch north of Tewitfield is, however, not in a fit state for navigation. In view of the high additional cost on the motorway and the cost of restoring the canal, my right honourable friend and the British Waterways Board have agreed that it would not be justifiable to build bridges on this northern stretch. The Board have therefore agreed to promote a Private Bill seeking relief from the statutory requirements relating to the part of the canal which will be affected.

LORD WAKEFIELD OF KENDAL

My Lords, in thanking the noble Lord for that reply, I would ask whether he is aware that it will be received with deep disappointment by people in Westmorland and Lancashire, who were hoping that, in this new construction and extension of the M.6, it would be possible for navigation to continue northwards into Westmorland. It was hoped to make this part of the canal, to which the noble Lord referred as being at present unnavigable, navigable in future, and the announcement which he has made will mean that it will be quite impossible for future generations to navigate this part of the canal, should this work be carried out. In view of the importance of providing recreational facilities of this nature in Westmorland would the noble Lord not reconsider this decision?

LORD LINDGREN

My Lords, the twelve miles between Tewitfield and Crowpark Bridge have not been navigable for many years, and four miles are already closed to navigation. In the remaining eight miles stretch much of the bottom is already cracked and the water is low to avoid excessive seepage. In fact, part of the canal is already dry.

LORD WAKEFIELD OF KENDAL

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that further reply. These facts are all well known, but it was hoped to repair and use this further extension for recreational facilities, for agriculture, for fishing and various other activities, which all noble Lords are fully aware take place in waterways and canals. The Minister's decision will stop all that.

LORD LINDGREN

My Lords, the question was about the extension of the M.6, and I have given a reply in regard to the construction of that motorway. In order to close to navigation the part of the canal which has not been so used for many years, it will be necessary to promote a Private Bill. When that Private Bill comes before the House, there will be an opportunity for objections and I suggest that that will be the correct time to raise these matters, not now.