HC Deb 06 March 1935 vol 298 cc1937-8
46. Mr. TINKER

asked the Minister of Transport how many miles there are of waterways, canals, etc., that were formerly used for carriage of goods that are no longer used and have fallen into disuse; and whether his department have any plans in consideration of what shall be done with them?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I regret that I am unable to state what mileage of canals or inland waterways, which have at some time been used for the carriage of goods, are no longer used. In cases where waterways have ceased to be used for navigation, they are often required for drainage purposes, but otherwise their utilisation or disposal is a matter primarily for the owners of the site.

Mr. TINKER

Seeing that canals now are passing out altogether, could not some department make an examination in order to see what could be done with them?

Mr. EVERARD

Will the Minister of Transport bear in mind before doing anything in this matter that this water is very valuable to agriculturists who live alongside the canals.