MR. CLEMENT EDWARDS (Denbigh District)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether it is intended by the terms of the reference to require the Royal Commission on Canals and Inland Navigation to consider and report as to the advisability of canals and inland waterways being acquired and managed by the Government itself, or by county or municipal authorities alone or in combination, as well as by public trusts; and, if so, will he say what are the specific words in the reference which will enable the Commission to give effect to such intention.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANBy the terms of reference the Commissioners are to report on the expediency of canals being made or acquired by public bodies or trusts, and I cannot doubt that under these words the Commission will receive evidence from those who favour acquisition and management by the Government and municipal authorities.