To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans he has to grant cruiseway status to the Kennet and Avon canal. (254678)

British Waterways has the discretion to apply to DEFRA for cruiseway status to waterways of remainder status, such as the Kennet and Avon canal. British Waterways has confirmed that it intends to submit its proposal for reclassification of the Kennet and Avon canal shortly. Ministerial consideration of the proposal will then be subject to the outcome of the consultation and other statutory procedures prescribed by the Transport Act 1968.