§ Mr. BellinghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he proposes to begin consultations concerning the possibility of British Waterways becoming a statutory consultee within the planning process. [8333]
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesI have today issued a consultation paper seeking views on a proposal that British Waterways should in future be consulted on planning applications that are likely to affect the canals, river navigation and reservoirs it owns or manages, and the associated canal feeders, watercourses and let-offs. Our concern at present is that British Waterways is not always being made aware of proposals that may affect the stability and integrity of the waterways for which it is responsible, with potential cost implications for all concerned. Copies of the paper have been placed in the House Libraries and distributed to local authorities and other interested organisations. We have asked for responses by 17 January 1997.