HC Deb 03 March 1947 vol 434 c14W
82. Mr. Edward Davies

asked the Minister of transport to what extent the canal system of Britain has been out of action during the recent frosty weather; and what is the estimated loss of carrying capacity.

Mr. Barnes

In spite of continuous ice-breaking, most of the narrow canals and certain of the lesser used wide canals have been closed to traffic, while others, including a few of the more important navigations, have been available for local traffic only. The loss of traffic on all inland waterways is estimated at approximately 300,000 tons.