HC Deb 21 December 1972 vol 848 cc438-9W
Mr. Harold Walker

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will announce his decision on the scheme submitted to him by the British Waterways Board for the improvement of the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Canal.

Dr. Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now announce his decision in respect of the scheme submitted by the British Waterways Board for improvement of the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation.

Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations have been made to him regarding the future use and development of the South Yorkshire canal system; to what extent he is prepared to assist its commercial development; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Edwin Wainwright

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate his Department has made of the potential commercial use of the South Yorkshire canal system in considering the application of the British Waterways Board for finance towards its development; and if he will make a statement on his decision on the application.

Mr. Duffy

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has studied the British Waterways Board's feasibility study of the commercial potential of the Sheffield and South Yorkshire canal system; and what reply he has given them.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

As I said in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Dearne Valley (Mr. Edwin Wainwright) on 25th October, the Department had studied the improvement scheme submitted by the board and was awaiting further information from it. This has now been received. A decision will be made as soon as possible.