asked the Minister of Transport whether he is prepared to make a statement on the attitude of the Government towards the proposed scheme for the enlargement of the Birmingham-Worcester canal; and whether, in the event of the project receiving the support of his Department, he will expedite the preliminary arrangements by every means at his disposal so that employment may be provided for men now out of work in the coming winter?

I hope shortly to be in a position to announce the decision of the Government with regard to this important scheme, but having regard to the fact that private Bill legislation will be necessary to enable the scheme to be carried out, I am afraid that the proposed works could not in any case be undertaken during the coining winter.

Has the hon. Gentleman considered the statement which he received on the subject from the Corporation of Birmingham a few days ago?