To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on the potential conflict of interest between British Waterways' responsibilities as a regulator and its role as a waterways business operator. [122774]

It is clearly an advantage to have synergy within British Waterways in respect of navigation work and its work as an operator and on the field of regeneration. I am aware of the need to deal clearly with any potential conflicts of interest between British Waterways' statutory functions as a navigation authority and its role as a business operator. I am therefore pleased that British Waterways plans shortly to consult on its proposals to improve its wider accountability and consultation processes.