To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the effects of reductions in the expenditure of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the movement of freight away from roads onto the inland waterways. (101847)

I am aware of concerns about this issue. DEFRA leads on inland waterways, but the Department for Transport and DEFRA officials do meet on a regular basis to discuss issues of mutual interest. However, it is ultimately a matter for navigation authorities to prioritise their activities in the light of competing demands for available resources.