§ Mr. Leeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total tonnage estimated to be moved annually through the canal and waterways system of the United Kingdom; what are the corroesponding figures for 1960 and 1970; and if he will institute a feasibility study with regard to the promotion of the diversion of further high volume and low priority goods off the roads and into the canal system.
§ Mr. Denis HowellIn 1975 freight traffic on the waterways operated and maintained by the British Waterways Board was 4.17 million tonnes—73.67 million tonnes/kilometres. The corresponding traffic in 1960 and 1970 was 9.78 million tones—275.97 million tonnes/kilometres and 6.56 million tones—130.22 million tonnes/kilometres, respectively. I have no estimate of future traffic. The recent consultation document on transport policy suggested that the future rôle of the inland waterways in freight carrying is limited. Nevertheless, there may be specific cases where new traffic could be attracted to waterways and I look to the BWB, which is responsible for marketing water transport services, to 563W assess whether particular projects are viable.