HC Deb 03 February 1989 vol 146 c426W
Sir Michael McNair-Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with British Waterways about the future of the Montgomery canal.

Mr. Grist

The Secretary of State discussed the proposal to restore the Montgomery canal with the chairman of the British Waterways Board last November.

Sir Michael McNair-Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions his officials have had With Powys county and Montgomeryshire district council, the Welsh tourist board and the Mid Wales Development Board about funding restoration work on the Montgomery canal; what estimate has been given for this work; and whether any European Economic Community funding was available.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

Welsh Office officials have had many discussions with members of the steering group seeking to restore the Montgomery canal. Restoration proposals have been variously estimated to cost £14 million to £18 million. No decision was taken on whether EC funding would have been available.