HC Deb 03 March 1971 vol 812 c430W
Mr. Simon Mahon

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware of the improvement that has taken place in the accident rate on the Liverpool—Bootle stretch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal since 1967; and if he will issue further guidance to those concerned on effective methods of maintaining safety.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

No child's life has been lost in this stretch of canal since 1965. The British Waterways Board and local authorities, as the responsible bodies concerned, continue to work closely together to maintain and improve safety measures. No guidance from me seems necessary.

Mr. Simon Mahon

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in view of the fact that the Bootle and Liverpool stretch of the Liverpool and Leeds Canal is unused by commercial and industrial traffic, he will call for further reports from the Working Party on which he is represented with a view to considering the eventual closing or viaducting of this length of canal.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

No. A study group set up by the British Waterways Board and the riparian local authorities is considering the future use of this length of canal: the Department are not represented.