INLAND WATERWAYS

Early day motion 2757, tabled 16 October 2006 by Charlotte Atkins (Labour). Signed by 163 members.

That this House notes that the nation's inland waterways have undergone a transformation in recent years as more people are using canals and rivers for recreation than ever before, whether as boaters, anglers, walkers, cyclists or nature lovers; further notes that more freight is being transported and that regenerated waterways are the backbone of many inner city improvements and that thousands of jobs are linked to the well-being of canals; therefore notes with alarm that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has reduced British Waterways' grant by 15 per cent. this year resulting in a devastating effect upon the inland waterways; further notes that 180 British Waterways' staff are to lose their jobs and canals are to be closed; and calls upon the Government immediately to reinstate the cuts imposed upon British Waterways and to ensure long-term funding is guaranteed to enable continued investment and restoration of the waterways.

Signatures by party: Labour 87, Conservative 47, Liberal Democrat 24, DUP 3, Independent 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.