§ 46. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Minister of Transport whether he will refer to the National Board for Prices and Incomes increased charges by British Waterways on the River Severn involving lock tolls rising to 7s. 6d. from 3s. 6d. after 1st April, 1968, thus more than doubling the charge; and whether British Waterways obtained his consent for the increased charge of 114 per cent., or 38 times greater than the norm of 3½ per cent. which is Government policy.
§ Mr. CarmichaelMy right hon. Friend's predecessor was consulted by the British Waterways Board and it was agreed that general increases in pleasure craft charges were fully justified and not inconsistent with the Government's prices policy.
In the particular case of the lock tolls on the River Severn only the individual lockage charges have been increased; the charge for the "season ticket" lock pass has not been altered. The contribution made by pleasure craft in lock tolls on the Severn has been far below the cost of providing these facilities.