§ Mr. Dormandasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will extend the grant criteria to allow cycleways, of other than an experimental nature, to be eligible for Government assistance.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeExpenditure by local authorities on cycleways is already eligible for Government support through transport supplementary grant.
§ Mr. Dormandasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will encourage the making available and improving of canal towpaths to cater for cycling as part of circular cycleways; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe have commissioned a study of the potential for conversion of disused railway lines to cycleways. This study will also demonstrate that use can be made of some canal towpaths where this does not conflict with use by walkers, anglers and others. It will be 53W for local interests to follow up the possibilities in each case. Detailed arrangements for access by cyclists must be determined by the British Waterways Board, private owners or the highway authority where it has adopted the towpath.