§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he requires from the British Waterways Board about the reasons for maintenance backlog projects on canals for which he gives specific grant aid.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy right hon. Friend decides the annual total figure for specific grant aid and approves an overall programme of expenditure within which the British Waterways Board settles the priorities between particular projects and makes monthly claims (subject to audit) against incurred expenditure. These arrangements also provide forward estimates and a running review of cost variations.