HC Deb 19 November 1928 vol 222 cc1378-9
46. Mr. COUPER

asked the Prime Minister when the Government last considered the Forth and Clyde canal project; whether a survey has been under taken; and, if so, and by whom, and on, whose behalf?

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)

I have been asked to, answer this question. Schemes for the construction of a ship canal between the Forth and Clyde have been considered on numerous occasions since the conclusion of the War and up to the present time. As has previously been explained, it is for the advocates of any such scheme to carry out any necessary surveys if they consider that any useful purpose would be served thereby, but so far as I am aware they have not yet carried out any such survey.

Mr. COUPER

In view of the Prime Minister's sympathetic expression that the West of Scotland was an area which should receive attention will the Minister of Transport have a survey made of the proposed line of this canal and an estimate of the cost?

Colonel ASHLEY

Surveys have been made in the past and the estimated cost for the post-War period varied from £14,000,000 to £50,000,000.

Mr. COUPER

Will the right hon. Gentleman now consider another survey in view of the extreme unemployment in the district, which is calling urgently for some consideration?

Colonel ASHLEY

I think a survey was carried out in the not very distant past, and the hon. Member must realise that any survey could not be successfully concluded in order to give employment immediately.

Mr. COUPER

As it is eight or 10 years since the last survey was made, does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that the present circumstances demand a further consideration?

Colonel ASHLEY

I do not think that the estimate which was made then is likely to be decreased now.

Mr. COUPER

Neither has the unemployment.

Date. Estimated number of insured persons aged 16 to 61 inclusive. Number of insured persona aged 16 to 64 inclusive, un-employed (estimated for 1924). Difference between Cols. 2 and 3. Estimated number of insured persons aged 16 to 64 inclusive in employment, after deducting from Col. 4 3½ per cent, of the numbers in Col. 2 to allow for sickness* and other unrecorded non-employment, exclusive of temporary holidays.
Including persons directly involved in trade disputes. Excluding personas directly invoiced in trade disputes.
Thousands. Thousands. Thousands. Thousands. Thousands.
October, 1928 11,658 1,356 10,302 9,894 9,892
October, 1924 11,146 1,206 9,940 9,550 9,543
* The sickness rate has been taken at an estimated annual mean; it has not been possible to allow for Seasonal Variations.