HL Deb 02 July 1964 vol 259 cc710-1

3.14 p.m.

LORD BOOTHBY

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

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in view of the large part waterways now play in the transport system of the West European Continent, and the steady increase in the volume of heavy traffic on our roads, they will set up a comprehensive inquiry into the possibilities of extending the navigable rivers of this country, and of restoring and developing the canals by which they can be linked.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT (LORD CHESHAM)

My Lords, these possibilities are already being taken into account by the British Waterways Board in the course of the comprehensive review on which they are now engaged following their interim report on The Future of the Waterways which they submitted to my right honourable friend last December.

LORD BOOTHBY

My Lords, arising out of that Answer, will my noble friend bear in mind the fact that over 30 per cent. of heavy goods traffic in West Germany is now carried by water, that the geographical and geological conditions in this country are now very well suited to modern canal construction, and that, unless we have a comprehensive overall plan for the transport system of this country by road, air, rail and water, we shall never solve the transport problem?

LORD CHESHAM

My Lords, I was, of course, aware of the situation on the Continent, and indeed in some ways feel envious, because the noble Lord certainly must have overlooked the very considerable difference caused by geographical and historical factors which enable that kind of thing to happen. It is very different in this country, and always has been. What the future may be I do not know, but in the course of the review I mentioned it is precisely considerations of the kind which the noble Lord has in mind that the Board are thinking about.

LORD WAKEFIELD OF KENDAL

My Lords, could the Minister say whether in the comprehensive review that is now taking place consideration is also being given to the use of these waterways for storage and distribution of water as well as as a means of communication?

LORD CHESHAM

My noble friend, I am sure, knows that the Waterways Board have the statutory duty on them to try to work out the best possible use, in whatever way it may be, of the waterways.

LORD MERRIVALE

My Lords, will my noble friend bear in mind, when all these matters are being considered, the fact that the canalisation of the Moselle River has reduced the cost of transport by a percentage varying between 40 and 55 per cent., due to competition between waterways transport and railway transport?

LORD CHESHAM

I am quite sure that if the Board feel that bearing that in mind is useful, they will do so.