To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on how many occasions he has met the (a) chair and (b) chief executive of (i) British Waterways, (ii) the Environment Agency and (iii) Natural England since July 2006; and where each meeting took place. (106915)

[holding answer 5 December 2006]: The Secretary of State has met the chair and/or chief executive of British Waterways on 25 July, 4 September and 23 November on each occasion in London. He has met the chair and/or chief executive on the Environment Agency on 25 July, 27 July, 4 September, 6 September, 17 October, 8 November, 9 November,20 November and 23 November on each occasion in London. He has met the chair and/or chief executive of Natural England on 4 September, 11 October,7 November and 23 November on each occasion in London. He has also seen other members and practical examples of the work of these organisations while on regional visits.