§ Mr. Chorltonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he can state, in the special efforts that are being made to make more use of the inland waterways, how many more power-driven barges are being employed; and whether special means of packing for goods, such as the container system, are being brought into use?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerFrom January to the end of August, 1942, the number of power-driven craft available for use on the inland waterways increased from 857 to 917 (plus 7 per cent.). His Majesty's Government is assisting Canal Carriers to acquire and instal engines in dumb barges. Some 20 engines have already been made available, and it is expected that at least 20 more will be delivered by the end of the year. A small number of power craft which are being provided for ice breaking will also be available for towing dumb barges. In the main, the type of traffic being carried on the inland waterways is not suitable for special packing, and the container system is therefore not in use.