FROM PRIME MINISTERS QUESTIONS,
13 December 2006

Sir Peter Soulsby (Leicester, South) (Lab):

I know that the Prime Minister is well aware of the immense regeneration benefits that have resulted from the Government’s support for British Waterways since 1997, and of the contribution that waterways now make to leisure, tourism, education, heritage and transport. Is he aware of the very serious problems and fear being caused by the sudden cuts in grant from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and will he discuss with ministerial colleagues a sustainable funding model and status for British Waterways that secures the future of this unique national asset?

The Prime Minister:

I must confess to my hon. Friend that I was not fully aware of all the changes in British waterways and canals—but I am now. It is correct that in the past few years, there has been a very significant rise in people’s use of our canals and waterways. The British Waterways Board has done a superb job, and as a result, the situation has been turned around from the position a decade ago. However, it, like everyone else, has to live within the means that we set ourselves. We are giving moneys additional to those that were available in 1997, but the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, like everyone else, must live within its means.

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