INLAND WATERWAYS (No. 2)

Early day motion 90, tabled 15 November 2006 by Charlotte Atkins (Labour). Signed by 211 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 to reinstate immediately 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 104, Conservative 60, Liberal Democrat 41, DUP 3, Independent 1, Independent Labour 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.