(2) what plans are in place for selling the property portfolio of British Waterways; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what the timetable is for the sale of British Waterways’ property portfolio;
(4) if he will bring forward proposals to compensate British Waterways for the reduction in annual income from its property portfolio if its property is sold.
[holding answer 16 December 2008]: The Treasury operational efficiency programme review will consider the scope for improved asset management across Government and will provide an update on progress by the April 2009 Budget. The scope of this review will include British Waterways’ non-operational property portfolio, and business model, to consider how its assets might best deliver public value. The review will also consider any implications of options considered for the long-term funding of British Waterways’ statutory responsibilities carefully. No conclusions have yet been drawn regarding any possible disposal of British Waterways’ property portfolio.