§ Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement about the outcome of the recent public inquiry on access and navigation rights on the River Wye. [139278]
§ Mr. MullinThe application made by the Environment Agency for an Order under the Transport and Works Act 1992 to confer on it powers to regulate navigation on the River Wye has raised complicated issues which require very careful consideration. Since the close of the inquiry we have continued to receive detailed representations from parties to the inquiry, including the Agency. Earlier this year, in the interests of proper administration, we made these representations available to others appearing at the inquiry so that they could comment on them. We are now considering the comments along with the Inspector's report of the inquiry.
181WWe will make a decision on the application as soon as possible. Before doing so, we will consult the National Assembly for Wales since the proposed Order would, if made, affect Wales as well as England.