HC Deb 08 December 1943 vol 395 cc958-9
29. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether it is intended to consider the linking up of the Manchester Ship Canal with the Humber; and will he invite interested people to submit evidence as to the need for the proposal and its practicability?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I am always ready to receive proposals for the practical improvement of the transport system of the country. The project for a ship canal to link the Mersey and the Humber, however, involves such difficulties that I am afraid it would serve no useful purpose for me to issue invitations of the kind which my hon. Friend suggests.

Colonel Sir A. Lambert Ward

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it would require 160 locks, with an average lift of 10 feet each, to get ships over the high ground between these places?