§ 6. Captain Marsdenasked the Minister of Transport what is the mileage of inland-canal waterways now available for water transport; and what was the mileage in 1939.
§ Mr. BarnesFull information is not available, but it is estimated that there are now approximately 2,400 miles of navigable canals and locked river navigations, as compared with 2,700 miles in 1939.
§ Captain MarsdenDoes the Minister mind that the mileage will steadily decrease, or is he intending to take steps to encourage the use of canals?
§ Mr. BarnesI certainly do not anticipate that the mileage will steadily decrease. There has been a decrease of 300 miles, 200 miles of which was in connection with L.M. and S. canals. As I emphasised during the passage of the Transport Act, I am hoping that the Ports and Inland Waterways Executive will develop the canals to their fullest capacity.