§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions at what stage the review of the Collaboration Agreement between the Environment Agency and British Waterways is; and if he will make a statement. [141305]
§ Mr. MullinThe Collaboration Agreement between the Environment Agency and British Waterways was signed on 19 June 2000. The Government undertook to review the progress made in implementing this agreement, as well as the Environment Agency's navigation responsibilities, as part of the first quinquennial review of the Agency. The commencement of this review was announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment on 8 December. The review is expected to report to Government next year and to be completed in summer 2001.