HC Deb 19 October 1981 vol 10 cc86-7W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much was spent in each of the last five years on bringing reservoirs, bridges and tunnels up to standard and on maintaining waterways; and what are the figures for the current financial year and the projections for 1982–83.

Mr. Giles Shaw:

Figures for the last five years, supplied by the British Waterways Board, are as follows:

£million
1976 1977 1978 1979 1980
Maintenance of the waterways 9.672 12.075 14.172 20.193 23.510
Reservoirs, bridges and tunnels 3.135 4.321 2.326 5.151 4.522

The board's estimates for expenditure in 1981 are £24.108 million and £3.29 million respectively. The programme of expenditure for 1982–83 is still under consideration.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the latest estimate available to him of the amount needed to be spent (a) on essential maintenance of waterways and (b) to bring reservoirs, bridges and tunnels up to standard.

Mr. Giles Shaw:

British Waterways Board currently estimates that it requires an additional £90 million to clear its present backlog of waterways maintenance and a further £25 million or more for expenditure on reservoirs, bridges and tunnels.