HC Deb 27 November 1916 vol 88 cc4-5
3. Mr. O'GRADY

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a statement from the Manchester Ship Canal Company (Bridgewater department), the Rochdale Canal Company, and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Company pointing out the fact that through pressure of existing circumstances the railways cannot cope with the ordinary goods traffic and that the canal companies have had to undertake a great. deal of such traffic; and whether, in view of the fact that the Government has agreed to cover part of the war bonuses granted to the railway employés, there is any reason why a similar subsidy should not be given to the canal companies, whose employés have tabled a claim for war bonus to meet the increased cost of living?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Pretyman)

I have received a statement on the subject, and the Board of Trade have invited representatives of the canal companies to attend a meeting, when the questions raised can be discussed.

4. Mr. O'GRADY

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the position of canal carrying companies in the fact that many such companies are suffering from shortage of labour and that the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Company have at present sixty-boats tied up from shortage of labour; and whether, although there are men of military age still in the employ of these companies, he will, having regard to the fact that canal companies are now doing an increased carrying trade to relieve railway congestion, take steps that no more men, even though of military age, shall be taken from this industry for service with the Colours?

Mr. PRETYMAN

The importance of retaining the services of workpeople employed in connection with canals has been fully recognised by the Board of Trade, and effect has been given to this view in the list of certified occupations. I am aware, however, that in spite of this reservation there is a shortage of necessary men on certain canals, and representations have been made to the War Office on the subject.