§ 30. Sir HARRY BRITTAINasked the Minister of Transport whether he has received any representations as to the desirability of a tunnel between the Isle of Wight and the mainland?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI received representations on this subject from the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce in June, 1927, and I have since received a letter from a resident of the Island. My hon. Friend will, however, realise that the initiation of projects of this kind does not rest with my Department, and no definite application has been put before me by the public bodies who might be in a position to promote the scheme.
§ Mr. J. H. THOMASIs it necessary that the Government should wait until 753 they receive local representations in regard to a question of providing employment for people?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe question deals with a very important matter, and surely it is the duty of the local people to forward schemes.
§ Mr. THOMASDoes the right hon. Gentleman forget that in 1924 there was a definite statement by the present Prime Minister that the Government had a positive remedy for unemployment?
§ Mr. SHINWELLWho are the local people in connection with the Channel Tunnel proposal?
§ Mr. SKELTONCan the Minister of Transport say whether any representations have been made with regard to a closer connection between the Scilly Islands and the mainland of Britain?