HC Deb 27 July 1977 vol 936 cc358-9W
42. Mr. Parker

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the estimated cost at present prices of clearing the backlog of maintenance on remainder waterways incurred by the duty to secure that they are dealt with in the most economical manner possible consistent with the requirements of public health and the preservation of amenity and safety.

Mr. Denis Howell

In a study commissioned by the Department of the Environment consultants estimated on a sample basis that the total capital cost of overtaking the arrears of maintenance on remainder waterways, on the basis of guidelines formulated by themselves which they considered appropriate for waterways retained as water channels, would be £4.9 million (net present cost) at 1974 prices, equivalent to about £8 million today.