Canals And Waterways

Mr. Kenneth Clarke
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will direct the British Waterways Board to restore its agreement to the use of voluntary labour in the restoration and repair of canals and waterways and, in particular, of the Grantham canal.

Mr. Denis Howell
No. Agreements involving the use of voluntary labour for the restoration and improvement of British Waterways Board waterways, including the Grantham canal, are at present suspended due to official union activity and I do not think that action on the lines suggested would be helpful.