§ 41. Mr. MACQUISTENasked the Minister of Transport., what improvements are proposed to be made to the Crinan Canal; when the work will be commenced; and the estimated employment value of the scheme?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Herbert Morrison)It is proposed to construct a new sea-lock at each end of the Canal in place of the existing sea-locks, and to provide an additional reservoir for the supply of water to the Canal. The necessary preliminary work is now in hand and a start will be made on the excavations shortly. The work will give direct employment to about 130 men for a period of 18 months, apart from the indirect employment involved in the supply of plant and materials.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENHow soon will the work commence?
§ Sir A. LAMBERT WARDWill it enable larger vessels to pass through the canal?
§ Mr. MORRISONI cannot be quite certain about that. My impression is that 2550 it will put the canal into a good condition, but I should require notice of the point which the hon. and gallant Member has raised. In answer to the hon. and learned Member for Argyll (Mr. Macquisten), I have already informed him that preliminary work is now in hand, and that a start will be made on the excavations shortly, but I cannot give the exact date.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENHas the hon. Gentleman considered the advisability of making a sea water canal? I can assure him that if he takes a poll of the inhabitants, he will find them in favour of such a scheme.