asked the Minister of Transport what representations he has received from the canal interests on the subject of financial assistance; and whether he will take immediate measures to alleviate the difficulties encountered by inland waterways on account of war conditions, and so enable them to play their full part in the national transport system?

Representations have been received from the Canal Association and the National Association of Canal Carriers as well as from certain canal companies, and are being discussed with the associations. As regards measures to secure the fuller use of canals, I would refer the hon. Member to my answer to Questions on this subject on 20th March. I hope that, with the co-operation of the canal industry, it will be possible to bring at least some of those measures into operation without delay.

Is the Minister in touch with the railway companies about canals owned by the railways?

We are in touch with all those interests.