§ 63. Mr. Malcolm MacPhersonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals for the future of the Forth and Clyde Canal he is considering with the Minister of Transport.
§ Mr. MaclayAfter careful consideration of the factors involved, including the urgent need for a decision on the design of an important and costly bridge over this canal, the Government have decided that the balance of advantage lies in its closure to navigation. Industrial water supplies will not be affected.
In consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport I am considering the preparation of a Bill to extinguish the obligation on the British Transport Commission to keep the canal open for navigation. I am not, able to say, however, when it may be possible to introduce such legislation.