§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what support his Department is providing for the restoration and development of canals and waterways; and if he will make a statement. [54639]
§ Mr. MealeThe Government value the social, economic and environmental benefits that inland waterways can bring and are keen to maximise the full potential of the canal network.
We have provided financial help to a range of canal restoration projects through the Single Regeneration Budget Challenge Fund, Land Reclamation Programme grant and the Environmental Action Fund. Projects are also eligible for funding from the various Lottery distribution boards, from local authorities and from 627W Europe. The forthcoming report by the Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council on their prioritisation of restoration projects will help to ensure that available funding is more effectively targeted.
§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the advantages of increasing the level of freight traffic on the United Kingdom's canals and waterways. [54640]
§ Mr. MealeResearch in 1993 indicated that there may be potential to divert about 3.5 per cent. of the UK's road freight traffic to water although the majority of this would be to ships rather than barges. The Government recognise the environmental benefits of making use of waterways for carrying freight. As stated in the White Paper on the Future of Transport, the Government will encourage greater use of inland waterways as an alternative to road transport where this is a practical and economic option.