§ Mr. OUTHWAITEI beg to ask the Prime Minister if, in view of the state of unemployment that exists among manual labourers, which is likely to increase as the war continues and to remain after the cessation of hostilities, he will take immediate steps to carry into effect the Report of the Royal Commission on the Canals and Inland Navigations of the United Kingdom and set up the Waterways Board therein recommended, as furnishing the opportunity for the employment of a large number of men on work of permanent value to the community, and will bear in mind that many municipalities 2259 have expressed their willingness to bear in part the cost that would be entailed by carrying out the recommendations of the Commission?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Government will give my hon. Friend's suggestion careful consideration.