§ Mrs. Bainasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what encouragement he has given for the development of the Forth and Clyde canal as a suitable waterway for freight and recreation: and what decision he has advised on the culvert at Glasgow road bridge between Torrance and Kirkintilloch.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe treatment of this canal is a matter for the British Waterways Board. The board is discussing its possible future development92W for recreation and amenity with the local authorities concerned. Its restoration for through-navigation would be very costly, and although a recent report from the Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council recommended further study of this possibility there is no basis as yet for any alteration in existing road plans.
The road bridge is the responsibility of the Lanarkshire County Council. I understand that it proposes to provide a culvert which will allow passage of pleasure boats and that it is further considering the size of the culvert.