The government must do more to support the vital work of British Waterways argues Roger Williams in a debate in Westminster Hall.


Roger Williams, who is Lib Dem Shadow Rural Affairs Minister said,


"DEFRA is a serial offender in terms of budget mismanagement. Recently, it has been an under-spending Department and it has now run into terrible trouble with the single farm payment. However, I do not want to dwell on that.


Canals and waterways have a number of benefits that are valued by the public, first in terms of tourism and the local economy. There are 300 million visits to 2,000 miles of inland waterways. Not only that, but they encourage people in this country to take their holidays in this country, boosting the local economy and cutting back on carbon emissions. Regeneration has been dealt with, as well as conservation, biodiversity and heritage.


British Waterways is not a passive recipient of Government largesse, but generates increasing income. It has been said that 180 jobs will be lost, and that is a huge blow to those individuals. Their expertise in building partnerships and getting match funding will be sorely missed by British Waterways. Although the cuts on the canal bank are not that great, the expertise is fundamental in maintaining the work done by British Waterways. It is not only about ensuring that the maintenance of canals is carried out but about encouraging tourism with new attractions, new developments and a sense of adventure when people go on the canals - they need to see something different and to have a new experience.

The cuts penalise a successful and well-run organisation. They are a setback to our tourist industry and put back progress on regeneration and extending biodiversity. Indeed, what is probably more worrying to the Minister is that they will probably affect those who, as Ratty said in “The Wind in the Willows”, like


      “simply messing about in boats.”


They are an increasing constituency in this country. I urge the Minister to take on board the suggestion made by the hon. Member for Leicester, South and to investigate among his fellow Ministers to see whether support can come from other Departments for this worthwhile cause."


This article is based on a speech given by Roger Williams in a Westminster Hall debate on British Waterways on 6th December 2006