§ 38. Mr. W. Yatesasked the Minister of Transport if he will seek to hold discussions with the shipping industry and British industrialists concerning the need for, and the estimated cost of, a trans-Britain seaway from the area of The Wash to the Mersey.
§ Mr. MarplesNo, Sir. So far as I am aware, neither the shipping industry nor British industrialists have shown any interest in the construction of such a seaway.
§ Mr. YatesIs my right hon. Friend aware that he is one of the more go-ahead Ministers in the Government? Will he consider the fact that industries are concentrated in this area and that great experimentation is going on with hovercraft? Is it not time that he looked at this problem, for this proposal would mean that our industries would be in direct communication with industries in Europe and the United States through a trans-Britain seaway?
§ Mr. MarplesNo interest has been shown in this proposal. I have looked at its merits and I am not satisfied that it should go ahead.
§ Mr. W. YatesOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I am not satisfied, and I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter on the adjournment at the earliest opportunity.