Inland Waterways (Tolls)

HC Deb 14 December 1960 vol 632 cc53-4W

84. Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Transport when he proposes to carry out the Bowes Committee's unanimous recommendation to abolish the present system of charging tolls on inland waterways and replace it by the annual licensing of boats.

Mr. Marples

This recommendation applied only to a part of the nationalised waterways system. To carry it out would require legislation, and I cannot make any statement at present.

85. Mr. Jeger

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the likelihood of traffic being transferred from canals to roads as a result of tolls charged on canals; and whether he will give a general direction to the British Transport Commission not to increase such tolls, in view of the recommendations of the Bowes Committee on this matter.

Mr. Marples

No. The increases in canal tolls are in line with those recently made in charges for road haulage. As regards the second part of the Question, I do not think the issue of a general direction would be justified.