HC Deb 19 February 1947 vol 433 c1148
12. Mr. Vane

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what progress is being made with the work of making the Rhine again fit for navigation.

Mr. J, Hynd

The first emergency channel was opened up from the sea to Basle in September, 1945, and in the ensuing month nearly 600,000 tons were carried on the Rhine in the British zone. In December, 1946, before ice produced the usual winter restrictions on traffic, over 1,100,000 tons per month were being carried. In the British zone this entailed the salvage of over 2,000 sunken vessels, and the removal of the wreckage of 16 major bridges.

Mr. Vane

Can the hon. Gentleman say now that amount of traffic compares with a typical prewar year?

Mr. Hynd

I am afraid I need notice of that Question.

Major Cecil Poole

Would the Minister speak more slowly, because hon. Members behind him cannot catch what he is saying?