§ 66. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Transport what action he is taking within his powers under the Railway and Canal Traffic Act, 1888, in regard to the Reading-Newbury section of the Kennet and Avon Canal.
§ 70. Mr. Hollisasked the Minister of Transport whether under the Railway and Canal Traffic Act, 1888, he will call for a report on the threatened closing of the Kennet-Avon canal.
§ Mr. BarnesThe Railway and Canal Traffic Act, 1888, gives me no power either to prevent the closing of this canal or to require it to be re-opened. This is a matter for the British Transport Commission subject to any statutory obligations resting upon them. As the hon. Members have been informed, the Docks and Inland Waterways Executive have the matter under consideration.
§ Mr. HurdDoes the Minister's answer mean that the British Transport Commission can abandon this section of the Kennet and Avon canal without Consulting the Minister or Parliament, or without seeking any representations from the people affected?
§ Mr. BarnesI should not like to say that they could just abandon it offhand, but certainly if the banks are dangerous or the cost is excessive, then the question of the future of the canal will come under consideration.
§ Mr. HollisIs the right hon. Gentleman aware, first, that if it has not been abandoned off hand, in point of fact a large sum of money has been spent recently in building new gates at Wootton Rivers? Secondly, is he aware that if there is no power given him under the Act to close or keep open canals, it does give him power to do what I asked in my Question—to call for a report? Will he deal with that question?
§ Mr. BarnesI think the best plan is to wait until the Inland Waterways and Docks Executive, whose duty it is to consider these matters, have had the position thoroughly under consideration. I propose to await their report before I commit myself to any decision.
§ Mr. BarnesIt should not prevent that from continuing. It will go on—
§ Mr. BarnesIf it does not, then that matter must be suspended until this investigation is completed.
§ Mr. HollisDo I take it that the right hon. Gentleman will await the report, but is not willing to call for one? Is that the position?
§ Mr. BarnesYes.