§ 39. Mr. Grant-Ferrisasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation why, in view of the fact that the Thames Conservancy have closed Cookham Lock for a period of six months, thus causing complete stoppage of navigation of the Thames, he gave his sanction to the raising of a loan by the Conservancy for the works which have given rise to this action.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI agreed in principle to the raising of this loan after satisfying myself that the reconstruction of this old lock is necessary.
§ Mr. Grant-FerrisDoes my right hon. Friend realise that this waterway is completely blocked for six months?—[Laughter.] Although there is no suggestion of taking this issue to the United Nations, will he realise that it causes great hardship to those engaged in navigation, particularly in October and March; that it may go on into April if there is a hard winter, and that no offer has been made to refund lock dues?
§ Mr. WatkinsonPerhaps I may give my hon. Friend an answer which would be appropriate in a wider sphere. We are dealing with and curing a temporary blockage here in order to avoid a much longer blockage later.