§
Motion made, and Question proposed,
That a Supplementary sum, not exceeding £294,500, he granted to his Majesty, to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1920, for Compensation to Canal Companies and Canal Carriers in the United Kingdom arising "out of Government Control and for Advances to Crinan and Caledonian Canals.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYSome useful information has been given so far in this discussion, and I would, therefore, wish to ask for further information on this Vote. Is there any particular reason why these particular canals have been picked out? On that point possibly the right hon. Gentleman will enlighten not only myself but the Scottish Members. I am speaking from memory, but I believe a very excellent report has been presented by the Canal Committee in which they recommend, or say, it is necessary to spend, I think, about £60,000,000 to put the canals into proper working order. Is this matter under consideration? Is it proposed under the schemes of reconstruction that are being carried out to take the canal problem in hand wholeheartedly? Is it intended to enlarge the Caledonian Canal? I would also like to ask if the Government are considering pressing on with the great scheme of the Forth of Clyde Canal?
§ The CHAIRMAN (Mr. Whitley)I do not find anything in this Vote to justify I he raising of that question, which seems to be quite a separate matter.
§ Mr. NEALThis Vote represents increases on the Board of Trade Estimates which were presented to the Committee earlier in the year. The amount asked for has now been increased to £280,000, the increase being caused by the alteration in the wages and labour conditions which have become general throughout the land, and they apply to the canal. I can, if it is thought desirable, give greater details, but perhaps I should be consulting the convenience of the Committee if I did not go into them at the moment. The Crinan and Caledonian Canal is Crown property administered by a statutory body or which Mr. Speaker is the Chairman, and the sums asked for are necessary to meet the actual expenditure.
Question put, and agreed to.