HC Deb 22 January 1918 vol 101 c811
61. Colonel YATE

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made by the Canal Committee in the development of inland waterway traffic; what extra percentage of coal and other heavy traffic is now being carried by canal boats; and to what extent the congestion on the railways has been thus relieved?

Sir A. STANLEY

As explained in reply to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Gentleman on the 22nd October last, it is not possible to state the proportion of coal and other heavy traffic which has been diverted to the canals so as to relieve the congestion on the railways. A considerable quantity of coal, grain, and sugar has, however, been thus diverted, and the amount of traffic conveyed over the controlled canals in November last was more than 1,700,000 tons. The number of boats on the canals which were idle has also been considerably reduced.

Colonel YATE

When will they be fully employed?

Sir A. STANLEY

It is entirely a question of man-power. I could not answer.