§ MR. BRYNMOR JONES (Gloucester, Stroud)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Thames and Severn Canal is in such a condition, owing to systematic neglect of the waterway and works, as to be almost useless for purposes of navigation; whether he is aware that the Great Western Railway Company have directly or indirectly the management or control of this canal; and whether he will appoint an officer, pursuant to Section 41 of "The Railway and Canal Traffic Act, 1888," to inspect and report upon the canal?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. MUNDELLA, Sheffield, Brightside)An inspection of the Thames and Severn Canal was made in 1887 by Sir Courtenay Boyle, and his Report, which was presented to Parliament, will be found in the Library. The unsatisfactory condition of the canal is well-known, and there is no necessity for, and no advantage to be derived from, a further inspection.
§ MR. BRYNMOR JONESWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the second question—as to the connection of the Great Western Railway Company with the canal?
§ MR. MUNDELLAIt is undoubtedly as stated in the question. That is set forth in the Report.