§ Mr. Dormandasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether his Department will undertake a study similar to the recent survey of disused rail-lines regarding the potential of canal paths for wider cycle and pedestrian use.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe survey of disused railway lines includes an example of a canal path conversion based upon a proposed scheme in the south west, using part of the River Avon towpath. The implications are being examined by the British Waterways Board.
§ Mr. Dormandasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the response of his Department and of local authorities to the recent study on the conversion of disused railway lines to cycle and pedestrian paths.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe consultant who prepared the report has been retained by the Manpower Services Commision and my Department to liaise with potential sponsors of conversion schemes. County Councils have been told in the 1983–84 TSG circular that favourable consideration will be given to such proposals and several local authorities are showing interest in the possibilities outlined in the report.