HC Deb 17 March 1999 vol 327 c668W
Mr. Cann

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what resources he plans to make available to British Waterways to repair the existing canal system. [76644]

Mr. Meale

My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister announced on 18 February an increase in grant to British Waterways, by £8 million to nearly £59 million a year. Over the next three years this will enable British Waterways to increase the amount of investment and reduce the backlog of urgent maintenance from £90 million to £40 million.