§ Lord Marlesfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
What plans they have for the future of the Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council. [HL3921]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)A public consultation exercise carried out last year revealed widespread support for the work carried out by the Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council. In the light of these and other responses the Government have decided in principle that the council should continue primarily as a source of strategic advice to Government, navigation authorities and other waterway bodies about the inland waterways generally. The Government have also decided in principle that the council should be reconstituted as an independent body reporting to and supported by Government and that its formal ties with British Waterways should be severed. The Government are at present exploring ways in which these conclusions can be implemented and hope to make a formal announcement about the council's future soon.