§ 8. Mr. BECKETTasked the Lord Privy Seal whether any schemes are being considered for the reconditioning of the canals of this country?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONI have been asked to reply. This matter is being considered, and I am in communication with canal undertakers on the subject.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODI suppose all these projects will be considered by the Treasury before we are committed to expenditure?
§ Mr. MORRISONThe right hen. and gallant Gentleman will know that the Departments do not incur expenditure without consulting the Treasury.
§ Mr. SMITHERSIs the hon. Gentleman aware that when I asked the Chancellor 194 of the Exchequer two or three days ago he informed me that he was unable to give any useful estimate as to the cost of these schemes? Will he therefore, take an early opportunity of getting some kind of estimate of what these schemes in the interest of the unemployed are going to cost?
Mr. THOMASIn introducing the Money Resolution this afternoon, I will deal with that aspect of the question.
§ Mr. SMITHERSBut the Money Resolution only refers to guarantees and not to capital expenditure.
§ 17. Mr. HANNONasked the Lord Privy Seal if he is prepared to examine the schemes submitted to the late Government and to their predecessors in 1924 on the subject of canal development in the Midlands and, in particular, the improvement of the waterway between Birmingham and Worcester; and if he will receive a deputation representative of the various interests concerned?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONI have been asked to reply. If the responsible authorities will furnish me with particulars of any proposals which they wish to discuss, I shall be glad to consider the question of arranging to receive a deputation.