§ Mr. hardyto ask the secretary of state for the Environment what information he has on the attempts by British Waterways to sell property in advance of the 537W British Waterways Bill being enacted; and if he will instruct the board of this organisation to refrain from the sale of any property which would relieve British Waterways of the responsibility which that measure would create.
§ Mr. BaldryI understand that the British Waterways Board (BWB) is proposing to sell at auction on 27 March some 60 properties as part of a programme of sale of low-income-yielding properties. The day-to-day responsibility for management of its property assets rests entirely with the BWB and the sale is in line with the integrated business strategy endorsed by the Government in February 1990.
§ Mr. HardyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will request British Waterways to refrain from extensive sale of the properties before the new management strategy has been completed and entered effective operation.
§ Mr. BaldryThe sale of surplus properties by the British Waterways Board is entirely consistent with the board's objectives and the integrated business strategy endorsed by the Government last year. Receipts help provide waterway improvements and thereby enhance the network for the benefit of all users.