§ Mr. John Parkerasked the Secretary of Stale for the Environment, in view of the fact that the upgrading of certain restored remainder class waterways to cruising waterway status would not involve any additional expenditure by the national Exchequer, if he will make the necessary order in respect of the Ashton Canal, the Caldon Canal, the Erewash Canal, the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, and the Peak Forest Canal.
§ Mr. Denis HowellWhile I appreciate that there are maintenance agreements between the British Waterways Board and local authorities in respect of these canals, it is by no means certain that their upgrading would not result in an increased long-term maintenance obligation and, therefore, in an additional burden on the Exchequer.