Wye Navigation Order

HC Deb 04 February 2002 vol 379 c752W

Mr. Wiggin

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress is being made in regard to the Wye navigation order. [33118]

Mr. Meacher

The application made by the Environment Agency for an order under the Transport and Works Act 1992 to confer on it powers to regulate navigation on the River Wye has raised complicated legal and policy issues which require very careful consideration. We are considering the inspector's report, together with the comments of those appearing at the inquiry on the detailed post inquiry representations which we received.

We will make a decision on the application as soon as possible. Before doing so, we will consult the National Assembly for Wales since the proposed order would, if made, affect Wales as well as England.