§ 53. Mr. C. BATHURSTasked if the right hon. Gentleman is aware that throughout the Midlands and the South and South-West of England there is an increasing desire among agriculturists and all classes of traders for the improvement and development of the inland waterways system; and whether the Government will 1131 now proceed with the appointment of a Central Waterways Board to deal with the matter?
§ Mr. BURNS (for the Prime Minister)As stated by my predecessor in answer to a question asked by the hon. Member for the Stretford Division on the 9th June last, the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Canals have been very carefully considered, but as they involve an expenditure of some twenty million pounds, for the direct benefit—in the first instance, at any rate—of particular districts only, and without any certain prospect of an adequate return, the Board of Trade have not yet seen their way to make any proposals on the subject.
§ Mr. PETOIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Swindon Corporation are promoting a private Bill to do away with the Wilts and Berks Canal, and does his Department propose to take any steps to preserve such waterways?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member must give notice of that question.