§ 76. Major Legge-Bourkeasked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy regarding the waterways system.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydAs my hon. and gallant Friend will be aware, the greater part of the inland waterways system of this country is vested in the British Transport Commission, who have made notable progress in the restoration of the principal waterways to a condition in which the craft using them can be loaded to capacity, and in 1951 the tonnage carried exceeded 12 million originating tons for the first time since before the war.
Her Majesty's Government is fully aware of the important part which the inland waterways have played, and can continue to play, and I am satisfied that the policy of the Commission, and of their Docks and Inland Waterways Executive, is directed to ensuring that the Waterways system is used to the best advantage.