HC Deb 22 March 1920 vol 127 cc13-4
62. Mr. WATERSON

asked the Minister of Transport if it is his intention to develop the railway-owned canals of the country that are now derelict?

74. Lieut.-Colonel MALONE

asked whether any steps are being taken to improve the canal system in Essex?

Sir ERIC GEDDES

The future of all canals is engaging my attention, but hon. members will appreciate that it is intimately bound up with that of other means of transport, and cannot be considered as a separate problem. As has already been stated in reply to a question by he hon. Member for Lincoln, the matter has been submitted to the Cabinet. At its request I have undertaken the elucidation of certain points arising on my Report, and hope to report further upon them shortly.

Mr. BILLING

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the last General Election the Prime Minister made a special point of the fact that he would develop the canals of the country, and is it under his administration and advice that this policy is being altered?

Sir E. GEDDES

I am not aware of any alteration of policy.

63. Mr. NEVILLE CHAMBERLAIN

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is yet in a position to state his intentions as to taking possession of canals under Section 3 of the Ministry of Transport Act?

Sir E. GEDDES

The whole subject of the position of the canals has been engaging my attention for a considerable time, and if any canal undertakers desire that possession of the undertaking should be taken under the powers of the Ministry of Transport Act, I am prepared to favourably consider each case upon its merits upon application being made.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

May I ask why the right hon. Gentleman wishes to wait for applications, and why should he not take possession of all the independent canals which at present are controlled under D.O.R.A. and as provided by the Act?

Sir E. GEDDES

My desire was not to act in a coercive way at all, but to consider applications to take possession.