§ 72. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to prevent accidents to children and young people in canals in the Black Country by arranging for the authorities concerned to erect security fencing or fill in canals where appropriate, in view of the recent deaths by drowning which have caused widespread concern particularly to parents in the area.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsWhile I greatly regret any such tragic accidents there is no way of eliminating entirely the risks associated with water particularly for young children on their own. The filling in or complete fencing off of a canal is not usually a practicable proposition. In general, however, the local authorities and canal owners concerned are very conscious of the need for safety measures wherever possible.