HC Deb 25 March 1897 vol 47 c1317
SIR JOHN BRUNNER

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether it is his intention to call for a second return, under the Railway and Canal Traffic Act 1888, giving information as to canals with regard to maximum draught of boats, position and dimensions of locks, the position of tunnels and bridges with the amount of headway thereunder, and also with regard to the amount (tonnage) of traffic, taking care that through traffic is distinguished from local traffic. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will allow me to say that this question does not purport to be an exhaustive description of the return.

MR. RITCHIE

Yes, Sir, with this exception, that the return will not show the position of bridges, etc. It will indicate, however, the maximum size of boats including headway.

SIR J. BRUNNER

May I ask whether the return will give the minimum headway under the bridges?

MR. RITCHIE

It will give the minimum size of the boats including the head ways.