§ 97. Mr. SOMERVILLEasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the recent announcement by the Great Western Railway Company respecting the modification of their proposal to abandon the Kennet and Avon Canal; and whether he proposes to hold a public inquiry into the matter?
§ 98. Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Transport whether, in considering the application of the Great Western Railway Company to close the Kennet and Avon Canal, he will take into account the effect that the closing of the canal will have on the water supply of Reading?
§ 99. Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWNasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the objections that have been raised by various local authorities and agricultural bodies to the proposed abandonment by the Great Western Railway of the Kennet and Avon Canal, he has now arranged to have a public inquiry into the whole matter?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI am aware that the Great Western Railway Company have informed the parties who objected to their application for a warrant of abandonment of the Kennet and Avon Navigation that they do not propose to proceed with their application, so far as it relates to the Western portion of the navigation, and that, as regards the remainder, they are prepared to consider continuing their existing obligations, except those relating to the conveyance of traffic. I propose to await the result of direct discussion between the railway company and the objectors on these proposals before deciding whether to proceed with any public inquiry.