HC Deb 30 November 1978 vol 959 c324W
Mr. Kenneth Clarke

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will direct the British Waterways Board to restore its agreement to the use of voluntary labour in the restoration and repair of canals and waterways and, in particular, of the Grantham canal.

Mr. Denis Howell:

No. Agreements involving the use of voluntary labour for the restoration and improvement of British Waterways Board waterways, including the Grantham canal, are at present suspended due to official union activity and I do not think that action on the lines suggested would be helpful.