§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the viability of the re-opening of the Droitwich Barge and Junction Canals; and if she will make a statement. [4134]
§ Mr. MeacherThe Secretary of State looks to the Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council (IWAAC) to provide advice on waterway restoration projects. IWAAC's "Waterway Restoration Priorities" report published in 1998 identified the Droitwich Barge and Junction Canals as being of national importance and ready628W for main funding in the short team. A recent study carried out by British Waterways confirmed the feasibility of the project and the benefits it would be likely to deliver. The next step will be for the interested parties to raise the necessary funding.