HC Deb 03 April 1919 vol 114 c1425W
Lieutenant-Colonel WHELER

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, under the proposed Transport Bill the Minister for Transport is to have the power to authorise local navigation authorities to make new waterways without the necessity of obtaining Parliamentary powers for such a decision?

Mr. SHORTT

Under Clause 5 of the Bill the powers of the Development Commissioners for the construction and improvement of inland navigations are transferred to the Minister of Ways and Communications. Powers are also taken under this Clause subject to the approval of the Treasury to make advances to any authority for the construction, improvement, or maintenance of canals or inland navigations.