§ Mr. P. Noel-Bakerasked the Minister of Transport what plans he now has for developing the inland waterways of the country in order to relieve the pressure of commercial traffic on the roads.
§ Mr. MarplesIn general, the Bowes Committee of Inquiry into Inland Waterways did not accept suggestions made to them that diverting heavy commercial traffic to revitalised inland waterways would greatly diminish congestion on the roads. Some traffic may well, however, be attracted to the nationalised waterways as a result of the £6 million programme of necessary improvements now nearing completion. Further planning will be for the proposed new British Waterways Board.