§ 99. Mr. L. M. Leverasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what proposals he has received regarding navigation from the Land Drainage Legislation Sub-Committee of the Central Advisory Water Committee; what progress has been made in the consultations with the interests affected by the abandonment of derelict canals; and if he will take immediate steps to introduce legislation to close all derelict canals.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe sub-committee referred to by the hon. Member made a number of recommendations concerning the future of canals no longer required for navigation. A large number of national bodies have been consulted on these recommendations and the last of their replies has only recently been received. These replies, which disclose widely divergent views, are now being considered by the Departments concerned, but it will be some time before any conclusions as to possible legislation can be reached.