§ 21. Mr. PETOasked the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether any steps are being taken to put into effect the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Railway and Canal Traffic with a view to providing increased inland water transport facilities; and whether his Department have considered the importance of preparing for works of national importance, such as the improvement of canals, in order to provide useful employment to men as discharged from the Army pending their absorption in the trades and industries of the country?
Mr. ROBERTSAs the hon. Gentleman is no doubt aware, the Board of Trade have taken possession for the time being of a large number of the more important canals in England. The control of these canals has been entrusted by the Board of Trade to the Canal Control Committee, who are considering the question how the canals can be used to the best advantage possible in the national interests. The question of the improvement of canals on demobilisation will not be lost sight of.