HC Deb 26 July 1939 vol 350 c1486W
Mr. A. Herbert

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Government propose to take over the control of canals and canal-carriers in time of war; and, if not, whether he is satisfied that they and the national interest would not be injured by their being placed in a different position from railways under Government control?

Captain Wallace

Measures are being taken to secure the best use of canals in the national interest in time of war and a Canal (Defence) Advisory Committee, which includes representatives of the Canal Association and the National Association of Canal Carriers, has been constituted. It is not at present considered that it would be necessary to apply to canals generally the scheme of control of railways, at any rate at the commencement of an emergency.