§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to make a decision about the future status of British Waterways; what options he is considering; and if he will make a statement. [56566]
§ Mr. PearsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has to consult interested individuals and organisations regarding the future role and status of British Waterways; [56434]
(2) what representations he has received regarding British Waterways becoming a trust; and if he will make a statement;[56433]
(3) what plans he has for the future status of the British Waterways Board; and if he will make a statement. [56431]
§ Mr. MealeThe Government have been considering a range of possible options for the future of British Waterways (BW). These include the option, proposed by the British Waterways Board, of establishing a statutory, charitable trust in the private sector. Other options include retaining BW in the public sector while developing BW's access to private sector finance and expertise.
166WFollowing BW's publication of its trust proposal, I have received a number of representations on the subject from employee representatives, waterway organisations and members of the public. No decisions have yet been taken. Once we have reached a view on the preferred option, we will inform Parliament and discuss it with interested parties.
§ Mr. PearsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the Government's planned contribution to British Waterways in (i) 1997–98, (ii) 1998–99 and (iii) 1999–2000. [56432]
§ Mr. MealeThe amount of grant-in-aid to British Waterways over this period is as follows:
Year £million 1997–98 51.890 1998–99 52.690 1999–2000 Not yet advised