55. COUPERasked the Prime Minister whether in view of the acute state of unemployment at the present time, the Government will reconsider the scheme for the construction of a ship canal between the Clyde and the Forth, which, besides providing labour for thousands of unemployed, would constitute a permanent national asset?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThis scheme has been carefully examined on a number of occasions in the past and rejected in view of the very high cost of construction and the comparatively small return which could be expected from receipts. For the same reasons the scheme is not considered practicable at the present time.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in point of fact, any detailed survey of this proposed work was ever undertaken?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should like notice of that question.