HC Deb 11 November 1912 vol 43 cc1731-2
79. Mr. RICHARD LAMBERT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether Major-General C. T. Hutchinson, who conducted an inquiry at Swindon on 27th February, 1900, as to the abandonment of the Wilts and Berks Canal, ever reported to the Board of Trade; whether he can state the reasons why the Inquiry was suddenly adjourned and why it has not been resumed; and whether, considering the risk to health that must arise from a derelict and stagnant canal passing through a densely populated area like Swindon, he will order that the Inquiry shall be resumed at an early date?

Mr. ROBERTSON

The Inquiry was abandoned owing to the raising of a technical objection to the proceedings and no Report was made to the Board of Trade by General Hutchinson. In the absence of a renewed application for a warrant of abandonment under Section 45 of the Railway and Canal Traffic Act, 1888, the Board are unable to order a resumption of the Inquiry.

Mr. R. LAMBERT

If a fresh application is made in due form will the Board consent to a fresh Inquiry being opened?

Mr. ROBERTSON

It will depend on the nature of the application, but the question will be considered. I cannot answer it in advance.

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