§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Minister of Transport whether any, and, if So, what, subsidies are to be paid in the present year to coastwise shipping and canals: and why, as competitive railway rates are now raised to a paying basis, such subsidies are needed?
§ Mr. NEALIn the Estimates for the current year provision is made for £980,000 (mainly a re-vote) in respect of the Coastwise Transport Subsidy and for £1,400,000 in respect of compensation to controlled canals (other than railway-owned canals). The position in regard to the former subsidy is now engaging the attention of the Government. Compensation continues to be paid to the canals under Agreements made between the Board of Trade and the various undertakings at the time when they were taken into control under Defence of the Realm Regulation.