HC Deb 20 July 1977 vol 935 cc555-6W
69. Mr. Parker

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the terms of reference of the Fraenkel Report.

Mr. Denis Howell

Broadly, to undertake a study of the costs of operating and maintaining the waterways of the British Waterways Board having regard to the Board's statutory and contractual obligations. The detailed terms of reference are set out in the Fraenkel Report which will be published shortly.

Mr. Parker

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the cost of clearing the backlog of maintenance works on British waterways estimated in the White Paper at £37 million at 1974 prices, includes the backlog on the remaining waterways.

Mr. Denis Howell

No. The Transport Act 1968 imposes specific maintenance obligations only in respect of the commercial and cruising waterways designated in Schedule 12; in the case of remainder waterways there is a duty to see that they are dealt with in the most economical manner possible.

Mr. Parker

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he proposes to publish the Fraenkel Report on British Waterways Maintenance Programme.

Mr. Denis Howell

Shortly.