Inland Waterways

Oral Answers to Questions — Environment – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 16 February 1972.

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Photo of Dr Edmund Marshall Dr Edmund Marshall , Goole 12:00, 16 February 1972

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many miles of rivers and canals administered by the British Waterways Board were used for major commercial purposes in 1971.

Photo of Mr John Peyton Mr John Peyton , Yeovil

About 315 miles, Sir.

Photo of Dr Edmund Marshall Dr Edmund Marshall , Goole

Does not that figure contradict the claim made in circular 92/71 that the inland waterways fulfil a major transport function only over a few short lengths? Will the Minister acknowledge that in Yorkshire the waterways are vital commercial arteries?

Photo of Mr John Peyton Mr John Peyton , Yeovil

There is some justification for what the hon. Gentleman says. Over half the freight traffic carried is carried on about 100 miles in the Yorkshire and Humber area, but it is not a very large quantity.