News Release

22nd May 2002

LICHFIELD-HATHERTON CANAL: "THANKS, MINISTER!" SAYS CONSERVATIVE MP

In an usual move of cross-party unity and banter, Michael Fabricant thanked David Jamieson, Minister for Roads and Canals yesterday afternoon in the House of Commons (21st May), for the continuing help he has been giving regarding the restoration of the Lichfield-Hatherton Canal. Michael also gave a conditional thanks to Stephen Byers! The text of the exchange (from Hansard) now follows:-

Michael Fabricant (Lichfield): If he will make a statement on his Department's policy on expanding the canal network.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (Mr. David Jamieson): Questions on this matter would usually be answered by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, but I should like to take this opportunity to say that the Highways Agency has carried out work on that and has reached a satisfactory outcome in some cases where there is an intersection of canals and highways in the hon. Gentleman's constituency.

Michael Fabricant: May I take this opportunity to thank the Minister on behalf of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Ltd and the 2,500 people who walked the route of the canal with me? The Minister will be aware of the difficulties that have arisen because the canal will be bisected twice by the Birmingham northern relief road. What guidance will his Department issue to ensure that future canal routes are not bisected by roads? May I also thank the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions for his intervention with respect to the guidance on roads and bridges, and for the help that he has given for all modes of transport that travel at under five kilometres an hour?

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (Mr. David Jamieson): Well, what can I say? I thank the hon. Gentleman for his comments and note his kind remarks about the Secretary of State. I am not sure whether he has cleared them with his Front Bench, although it seems clear from the reaction of the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow) that he has not. I am aware that there has been a particular success in the case of the Lichfield and Hatherton canals and the bisection of the Birmingham northern relief road. That came about as a result of undertakings given in the 1998 Transport White Paper in which the Government ensured that environmental needs are a key consideration for the Highways Agency when it makes improvements. In the particular case mentioned by the hon. Gentleman, a bridge and foundations for an aqueduct have been put in place to allow the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust to restore the canal. That is a shining example of joined-up government. I look forward to the hon. Gentleman sailing down the canal, perhaps in a barge, to raise funds for the party in government that allowed that to happen.

Michael Fabricant now says: "I think the likelihood of my raising money for the Labour Party is remote - I find it embarrassing asking millionaire donors for money, but in the meantime discussions will continue between the Restoration Trust, the Minister, and myself regarding the successful conclusion of this major project". Michael is a keen narrow-boater.