§ Mr. Roseasked the Minister of Transport what would be the cost of restoring the 12 miles of the Lancaster Canal north of Tewitfield for the purpose of navigation; and what would be the cost of closing and rendering it safe.
§ Mr. Tom FraserI understand that the British Waterways Board estimates that, the cost of restoring the eight miles between Tewitfield and Stainton to pleasure craft standard only would be about £40,000. There would also be a considerable increase in maintenance costs. Restoration of the remaining four miles, which is not a statutory navigation, would involve large scale excavation, reconstruction of the bed and other work. The Board expects that the cost would be of the order of £150,000–£200,000.
I am not aware of any proposal to eliminate any part of the canal. I understand that, if Parliament approves the British Waterways Bill, the Board proposes to retain the section north of Tewitfield as a water channel. It does not anticipate that any major expenditure will be necessary.