§ Earl Peelasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is the duty of the Environment Agency to maintain and clean the arterial drains that were formerly the responsibility of the National Rivers Authority; and, if so, whether this task is being carried out in a satisfactory manner. [HL1144]
§ Lord WhittyThe Environment Agency is not under any duty to maintain and clean arterial watercourses. Primary responsibility for the maintenance of all watercourses rests with the riparian owners.