BRITISH WATERWAYS FUNDING CUTS (NO. 2)

Early day motion 53, tabled 15 November 2006 by Bob Laxton (Labour). Signed by 160 members.

That this House notes that the UK 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, including the construction of Prescott Lock, which will facilitate access for supplies to develop the London Olympic Site; therefore notes with alarm that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has reduced British Waterways' grant by 15 per cent. in 2006-07, resulting in a devastating effect upon the inland waterways; further notes that 180 British Waterways staff are to lose their jobs and that the possibility has been raised of canals being closed; and calls upon the Government immediately to reinstate the cuts imposed upon British Waterways and to ensure that long-term funding is guaranteed to enable continued investment and restoration of the waterways.

Signatures by party: Labour 83, Conservative 45, Liberal Democrat 25, DUP 3, Independent 2, Independent Labour 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.