MR. FINLAY&c) (Inverness,I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the present condition of the Caledonian Canal, and especially to the fact that traffic is much impeded owing to the state of Loch Oich; whether inquiries have been made as to the works necessary to remedy the present position of affairs; and whether the Government will consider the propriety of taking measures, in co-operation with the Commissioners with a view to having the required works executed?
§ * THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. P. B. ROBERTSON,) ButeAs regards the present condition of the Caledonian Canal, the Commissioners have, within the last two years, undertaken the renewal of the lock gates, in accordance with a special Report by their Engineer Superintendent, which is appended to the annual Report recently presented to Parliament. The estimated cost of the work was £20,000, and Parliament has passed a vote of £5,000 as the first contribution towards this outlay. Owing to the severe drought this summer, the traffic on Loch Oich is much impeded, and this subject is under consideration.