Written question asked by Bill Wiggin (Conservative) on Monday, 22 October 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 October 2007. It was answered by Parmjit Dhanda (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 October 2007 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

British Waterways Board: Finance

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether her Department plans to make a financial contribution to British Waterways; whether she has had discussions with British Waterways on funding; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: DEFRA is the single Government sponsor of British waterways (BW) in England and Wales. It provides core funding towards the upkeep of its waterways. Other Government Departments have the flexibility to fund the inland waterways direct where they can deliver specific policy requirements, e.g. through grants for regeneration and freight projects where funds are provided to reflect the contribution of inland waterways to Departmental objectives.My Department has had no direct discussions with BW on funding. However I understand that DEFRA and BW are working closely together on planning for the CSR07 period in the context of the Department's overall priorities and financial pressures. DEFRA is also working with BW on a new long term strategy for a sustainable network that delivers wider government priorities including regeneration, protection of historic and natural environment, well being and freight.

Secondary information