§ MR. PIRIE (Aberdeen, N.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether in view of the changes which will be brought about by the construction of a naval base at Rosyth and the extreme desirability of the shipbuilding facilities in the Clyde being placed in direct communication with it, he will consider the desirability of appointing a Commission to report fully upon the question of enlarging the existing canal between the Clyde and the Firth of Forth and on the economical, commercial, strategic, and naval advantages to be derived from such a great public work.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. ASQUITH,) Fifeshire, E.My hon. friend is no doubt aware that a Royal Commission is now considering the whole question of the Canals and Waterways of the United Kingdom, and it therefore seems unnecessary to appoint another Commission at the present time to consider this particular matter.
§ MR. PIRIEasked whether it was not the case that the terms of reference of the existing Commission did not include strategic considerations, and whether it would be possible to enlarge the terms of reference.
§ MR. ASQUITHI will inquire into that.
§ MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAY (St.) Andrews Burghsasked whether the right hon. Gentleman would have this particular canal considered by the Commission.
§ MR. ASQUITHI am told it has been considered.