§ 75. Mr. PETOasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether his attention has been called to the fact that after the Napoleonic Wars, in order to check the widespread unemployment and vast emigration from the Highlands of Scotland to America, Government undertook the construction 1878 of the Caledonian Canal; and whether they are proposing to take similar action at the present time in order to provide employment by the construction of the mid-Scotland ship canal?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe original Act for the construction of the Caledonian Canal was passed in 1803 and that Act refers only to advantages which would accrue to navigation. I believe, however, that it is the case that the construction of the canal was also urged on the grounds mentioned by my hon. Friend. With regard to the last part of the question, I have nothing to add to the answers given to recent questions on the subject.