§ 61. Mr. JAMES HOPEasked whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to construct a canal from the borough of Hanley to the Irish or North Sea; whether the work will be carried out by tender or direct labour; whether the route has been surveyed and specifications drawn; whether any estimate of the cost has been arrived at; what, approximately, is likely to be the site value of the canal bed, and whether it is intended to pay to the local authorities through whose areas the canal passes a subvention based on such site value in aid of local rates; and whether the Government would favourably consider petitions from other inland places, such as the city of Sheffield, for direct water communication with the Atlantic Ocean?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Buxton)There is already canal communication between Hanley and the sea, but I assume the hon. Member refers to the construction of a new canal. The Government have no such scheme under contemplation.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEAre we really to understand that the poor people of Hanley are not to have a canal after all they have done and all they have swallowed?
§ Mr. WEDGWOODMay I ask was one of the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Canals the construction of a canal from the Mersey to Birmingham, passing through the borough of Hanley, and whether the Report of the Commission was not signed by hon. Members representing both sides of the House?
§ Mr. BUXTONThe Report is under careful consideration by the Government. As regards the particular point my hon. 1346 Friend is perfectly right. That was recommended by the Royal Commission and by representatives of both sides very strongly.