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.