HC Deb 10 November 1937 vol 328 cc1783-4W
Mr. Chorlton

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is prepared to assist any canal company, by special grant or other form of assistance, which is desirous of improving its waterways for the benefit of transportation generally at low rates and to relieve congestion of road and rail?

Mr. Burgin

I am always ready to render any assistance within my powers, but I have no funds at my disposal from which to make a grant towards the cost of improvements.

Mr. Chorlton

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will give a list of canals not now in active use where wayleaves could be made available for use by pipe-mains either for water supply, gas, or fuel oil?

Mr. Burgin

I regret that I am unable to supply a list of canals not now in active use, but since my Department was formed in 1919, Warrants have been made authorising the abandonment of the whole or parts of the following canals;

Shrewsbury Canal.

St. Helens Canal.

North Walsham and Dilham Canal.

Louth Canal.

Wisbech Canal.

Thames and Severn Canal.

Aylsham and Coltishall Navigations.

Oxford Canal.

Derby Canal.

Rother Navigation.

Any question of granting wayleaves along these undertakings for the purposes referred to by the hon. Member would be a matter for arrangement with the owners of the undertakings.

Mr. Chorlton

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will give a list of canals it is proposed to close or that have been closed within the last 12 months, showing which are privately owned and which are owned by railway companies; and whether the latter are requesting further orders to close canals?

Mr. Burgin

During the last 12 months I have issued a Warrant and Order of Abandonment in respect of part of the Oxford Canal, owned by the Oxford Canal Company. I have still before me certain applications of which I gave particulars to my hon. Friend in reply to the question which he put to me on the 13th July.