Written question asked by Matthew Offord (Conservative) on Monday, 14 February 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 February 2011. It was answered by Lord Benyon (Conservative) on Thursday, 17 February 2011 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Inland Waterways: Avon

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent progress has been made in consideration of the application for cruiseway status for the Kennet and Avon Canal.

Answer: British Waterways has applied for a ministerial order under section 104(3) of the Transport Act 1968 (the Act) to be made in order to reclassify the 'remainder' parts of the Kennet and Avon canal to become a cruising waterway. Following public consultation as required under the Act, two objections to the order were received. A response from British Waterways to the issues raised in the objections was sought, and this was sent by DEFRA on 20 January 2011 to the bodies who had objected, with a request for them to confirm whether they would be content to withdraw their objections or to make any further comments. Responses have only just been received confirming neither objection had been withdrawn. A decision by the Secretary of State on whether to allow the application for an order by British Waterways will be made in due course.

Secondary information