§ 46. Mr. MACLEANasked the Prime Minister whether he is now prepared to consider the project of a Clyde and Forth canal; and whether he is prepared to summon a conference of representatives of local authorities, shipping interests, and commercial firms to receive their views upon such an undertaking?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Prime Minister to a somewhat similar question addressed to him by the hon. Member for the Maryhill Division of Glasgow (Mr. Couper) on 12th November last.
§ Mr. MACLEANWill the right hon. Gentleman not now reconsider the previous replies he has given over the period of the last five years to this question, which embraces the Midlands of Scotland?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo, because the cost would be enormous—£40,000,000 or £50,000,000—and the return exceedingly small.
§ Mr. MACLEANWould not the return be considerably greater than any that may be received from the Channel Tunnel?
§ Commander BELLAIRSIs it not the case that local authorities and commercial interests are perfectly free to promote a Bill to bring about a Forth and Clyde canal?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs not the right hon. Gentleman also aware that private interests will never promote any organisation unless there is a profit behind it?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThese party disputes had better be deferred to a later date.