HC Deb 06 February 1990 vol 166 c582W
Mr. Simon Coombs

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he next intends to meet the chairman of the British Waterways Board to discuss future policy for canals.

Mr. Chris Patten

[pursuant to his reply, 24 January 1990, c. 742]The Government have today published their response to the Environment Committee's report on the British Waterways Board. The Committee's report appeared at a significant stage in the management of the board's affairs and addressed some key issues which were under consideration by the Government. In our response, which reflects consultation with BWB where findings were directed at the board rather than the Government, we reply to the Committee's detailed recommendations and outline policy developments since the report was published.