§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the estimated cost to the Environment Agency of assuming navigation authority status on the Rivers Wye and Lugg; what has been the cost to date of their assessment of these proposals; and if he will make a statement. [6362]
§ Angela EagleThe costs incurred to date by the Environment Agency and its predecessor body, the National Rivers Authority, in promoting an Order to become navigation authority on the Rivers Wye and Lugg are estimated at £400,000 since 1995 when the proposals were first put forward. The total cost of assessing these proposals will not be known until the public inquiry into the application for an Order has closed, but the inspector's fees to date are approximately £19,000. The additional costs of managing the navigation function are unlikely to be significant, but the Agency expects to appoint one additional full time member of staff who would have significant navigation responsibilities.
§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on what statutory basis the Environment Agency is seeking to assume navigation authority status on the Rivers Wye and Lugg; and if he will make a statement. [6363]
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§ Angela EagleThe Environment Agency is seeking to become navigation authority on the Rivers Wye and Lugg by means of an Order under Section 3 of the Transport and Works Act 1992. A public inquiry into the Agency's application is currently taking place. The decision on the application will be a joint one by the Secretaries of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions and for Wales.