§ 14. Mr. Mikardoasked the Minister of Transport when he expects that the section of the Kennet and Avon Canal between Reading and Newbury will be open for traffic.
Mr. BraithwaiteI am not able to give a firm date for the opening of this section; the British Transport Commission inform me that recent investigations have shown that some of the locks need more extensive repairs than had been supposed. I will ask the Commission to keep the hon. Member informed of progress.
§ Mr. MikardoI thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply, but will he bear in mind that in May last he indicated to the hon. Member for Newbury (Mr. Hurd) that he would provide the facilities required by the Docks and Inland Waterways Executive for doing this work? Since then, the Executive have indicated that the work has virtually been abandoned? Will he be good enough to reiterate that it is his intention to see that the work is carried out within a reasonable time?
Mr. BraithwaiteYes, Sir. I am rather surprised at the supplementary question, 645 because my information from the Docks and Inland Waterways Executive is that they propose to carry out certain important work during the next few months. It is hoped to re-open for navigation the section from Reading to Sulhampstead Lock, some 7½ miles in length, before the summer, so I think matters are going forward.