§ Mr. Chorltonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in view of the present congestion on the railways, he will take steps to equip a number of canal barges with diesel power units to make use of this economical means of transport, in view of the fact that the canal system is at present neglected and lengths of waterway have but a trifling number of power boats in use.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerMy Noble Friend has made every effort to help canal carriers to acquire engines for barges and boats, and in spite of the shortage of supply the number of power-driven craft in use on inland waterways has increased during the last two years from 857 to 947. I am glad to assure my hon. Friend that1784W since the Government placed the principal undertakings under its control vigorous measures have been taken to make the fullest use of our inland waterways.