To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what effect she expects reductions in the British Waterways grant to have on sport, leisure, recreation and tourism associated with Britain’s canals and inland waterways. (114960)

It is important that British Waterways has the correct resources to continue the work of maintaining and improving waterways as a focus for local communities and tourism.

DEFRA continues to consult closely with British Waterways on minimising any effect of grant reduction in 2006-07.