15. Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the proposal of the Great Western Railway to close the Rennet and Avon Canal; whether he is aware that this waterway was of great strategic importance during the. recent Great War for the passage of craft of light draft; and whether he will take steps to safeguard national interests in this matter?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSMy attention has been drawn to the proposal, but I am advised that there is no sufficient reason, on strategic grounds, for opposing it.