19. Mr. G. MURRAYasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that as long ago as 1909 the Royal Commission on Canals and Waterways reported that a strong case had been made out for an improved communication across the Mull of Kintyre, Argyllshire, capable of taking the largest ships that ply between Glasgow and the Western Highlands and Islands with a reasonable margin for probable future developments in their dimensions; whether, in view of this and the even greater necessity which exists to-day for the improvement of steamer communication between Glasgow and the Western Highlands and Islands, with the object of a quicker and cheaper conveyance of goods and passengers from and to Glasgow, tending towards the greater and speedier development of the Western Highlands and Islands, for increasing the fish supplies, and for the purpose of reducing the distance and enabling steamers to proceed in all weathers, he will consider the desirability of immediately arranging a scheme to widen and deepen the Crinan Canal so as to allow steamers of at least 1,000 tons burthen to pass through it?
§ Mr. NEALThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, a detailed survey of the present conditions of the Crinan Canal is now being undertaken by this Ministry, in order that a decision may be arrived at as to which, if any, of the following policies should be adopted, namely, to repair the present canal, to improve and extend it, or to construct a new canal.
Dr. MURRAYPending the completion of this investigation, will the Minister of Transport see to it that the Treasury does not ruin this fishing industry by continuing 8 the reduction of steamers; and is he aware that within the last three weeks a reduction of one-half has been made?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENWould it not be possible to use for this communication some of the seaworthy trawlers, instead of having heavy ships, until sufficient traffic arose to justify the employment of the heavy steamers?