§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his policy on the re-opening of canals with the potential for420W recreational use; what sources of public funding are available for such projects; and if he will make a statement. [38794]
§ Angela EagleThe Government recognise the economic, environmental and amenity benefits that inland waterways can bring and are keen to maximise the full potential of the canal network. Our policy on upgrading British Waterways' canals is that this should not add to their existing liabilities: this usually involves third party funding for the extra costs of maintaining a navigable canal.
Volunteers and the many canal restoration societies play a valuable part in restoring canals. We have provided financial help to a range of canal restoration projects through the Single Regeneration Budget Challenge Fund, Land Reclamation Programme grant and the Environmental Action Fund. Projects are also eligible for funding from the various Lottery distribution boards, from local authorities and from Europe. We look forward to receiving the report from the Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council on their prioritisation of restoration projects which should ensure that available funding is more effectively targeted.