§ Helen SouthworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures she has taken to ensure that strategic plans are prepared for each navigable canal or inland waterway; and if she will make a statement. [176635]
§ Alun MichaelThe three Government-sponsored navigation authorities—British Waterways, the Environment Agency and the Broads Authority—have all prepared strategic plans for the management of their waterways in consultation with Defra. The Government encourages the smaller, independent navigation authorities to prepare similar plans for their waterways.