§ 26. Mr. W. BAKERasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the decision of the Great Western Railway Company to abandon the Kennet and Avon Canal, which was completed in 1810 at a cost of approximately £1,000,000; and whether, despite the unnavigable condition into which the canal has been allowed to fall, he will consider constructive proposals whereby this waterway may be restored to usefulness?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)The Great Western Railway Company have applied to me under the provisions of Section 45 of the Railway and Canal Traffic Act, 1888, for a Warrant of Abandonment of this canal, and I have required public notice of the application to be given with a view to the proper consideration of any representations that interested parties may wish to make. With regard to the latter part of the question, I am not aware that the canal has been allowed to fall into an unnavigable condition, and I may explain that before any warrant can be issued the applicants will have to show that the canal is unnecessary for the purposes of public navigation.
§ Colonel ASHLEYIt will be within the discretion of the Minister, but naturally I shall be inclined to hold a public inquiry if it be desirable.
§ Colonel ASHLEYThat is so.