§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assistance he will give to the Trent and Mersey Canal Society Ltd. towards the restoration and reopening of the Anderton boat lift; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BaldryThe lift is the responsibility of British Waterways which receives substantial grant-in-aid from this Department. It is for BW to determine what funds it can commit to a restoration scheme in line with its statutory responsibilities. I welcome the initiative between British Waterways, local authorities and the private and voluntary sectors to explore the potential for a joint funding and management scheme. This would enable costs to be apportioned according to benefits, particularly those accruing to local interests.
Derelict land grant may be able to assist in enhancing surrounding land, depending on the competing claims on limited resources, and what funding can be secured from other sources.